Our vision:
A safe and healthy Kitsap County for all.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
HIV Case
Management
Immunizations
(Vaccines)
Communicable Disease Data
Healthcare Provider Resources
Disease Information
Communicable diseases are diseases that spread between people or animals. Click on the buttons below to learn about specific diseases. For more disease information, visit the CDC's health topics index.
Rabies
Bats are the main source of rabies in Washington. Avoid contact with bats and teach children to never touch bats.
Rabies is a rare viral disease that affects mammals, including humans. Only a small percentage of bats are infected with rabies. However, rabid bats are found in Washington every year.
Spring and summer are bat season.
Encounters between bats and people increase in the spring and summer as bats become more active. Keeping bats out of your home is the easiest way to reduce your risk of being exposed to rabies. Simple steps include adding screens to windows and doors and covering exterior openings that could allow bats to get inside.
Communicable Disease Data Dashboards
This report displays respiratory virus trends for Kitsap County based on data from healthcare facilities and laboratory testing. The Respiratory Illness Report is published weekly during respiratory illness season (typically fall and winter months) and published monthly when respiratory illness activity is low. You can subscribe to receive this report by email or text.
What to know about rabies
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that infects the nervous system
Rabies almost always causes death if it isn't treated quickly
Rabies is 100% preventable with prompt medical care
Learn more about rabies
How rabies spreads
Rabies virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal. In Washington, rabies is most often spread by bats.
People and animals can get rabies if they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal.
It is not possible to know if an animal has rabies just by looking at it. Testing is needed to confirm rabies.
Bat bites and scratches are not always noticeable because bats have tiny teeth and claws.
Preventing rabies
Make sure your pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccine.
Avoid touching bats. Never touch a bat with bare hands, even if it is dead.
Teach children never to touch bats and to tell an adult if they find a bat.
Keep bats out of your house. Learn more about "bat-proofing."
Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance. Don't feed or touch wild animals.
What to do if someone has contact with a bat
Follow these steps if someone has had bare-skin contact with a bat, or might have had contact with a bat:
Wash the bite, scratch, or contact area immediately with soap and water for at least 10 minutes
Attempt to safely capture the bat if possible. If you can capture the bat, it can be tested for rabies.
Contact your healthcare provider and/or Kitsap Public Health District for guidance as soon as possible. Call us at 360-728-2235.
If you think your pet was exposed to a bat, contact a veterinarian
More rabies resources
Information about bats
Information about rabies
Information about rabies and pets
STI Testing Locations
In most situations, testing and treatment for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) is best handled by your primary care provider. If you don’t have a regular provider, or can’t get in to see them soon enough, the list below displays clinics in our region that offer walk-in or same-day appointments.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
If you think you might have been exposed to HIV, seek immediate care. When appropriate, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment should be started as soon as possible (within 72 hours).
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Use the list below to find testing locations near you.
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Contact clinics directly to confirm available services, hours, costs, insurance plans accepted, and other details.
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Use this search tool to find services covered by Tricare.
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Learn more about who should get tested for STIs and how often.
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If you test positive for an STI, you may receive a call from us to ensure you and your partners receive the care you need.
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Need more information or help getting tested? Call us at 360-728-2235.
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Using a mobile device? These data dashboards cannot be viewed on a phone or tablet. Please visit this webpage from a computer.
Keeping Pets Safe from Rabies
Bats and Rabies (English & Español)
Healthcare Provider Resources
Rabies Data
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