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Don't touch bats: Protect yourself from rabies

  • Jun 24
  • 2 min read

Bats are most active during warm summer months. While bats play an important role in our ecosystem, they can spread rabies. Be careful around bats!


Bats are the only animal known to carry rabies in Washington state. Rabies is a virus that infects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) of people and animals.


Rabies infection almost always causes death. However, people who are exposed to rabies can prevent infection by getting fast medical treatment. 


Bats can spread rabies by biting, scratching, or licking a person or animal. Most bats do not have rabies, but it's important to keep your family and pets safe by avoiding contact with bats and making sure pets are vaccinated. 


Preventing exposure to rabies


  • Keep bats out of your home. Add screens to windows and doors and cover openings (even very small ones) that bats could crawl through.  

  • Don't touch bats. Teach children to never touch bats and to tell an adult if they find a bat at home, at school, or with a pet. Never pick up a bat with bare hands, even if it appears sick or injured.  

  • Watch wildlife from a safe distance. Do not feed or touch wild animals.

  • Vaccinate your pets. All dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington state must have up-to-date rabies vaccines. 


What to do if you have had contact with a bat


If you or someone in your household has had contact with a bat:


  1. Look all over your body for bites or scratches. Bats have very small teeth, so the bites may not be immediately visible.

  2. Wash the bite, scratch, or contact area(s) immediately with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.

  3. If possible, try to safely capture the bat for rabies testing.

    • Wear thick gloves when handling the bat.

    • Remember: Only try to capture a bat if you or someone in your home has had contact with a bat.

  4. Contact your healthcare provider or call Kitsap Public Health District at 360-728-2235 within 24 hours. 

    • Kitsap Public Health will get back to you within one business day.

    • If it's an emergency, call 911 or get medical help immediately. 

If you think your pet had contact with a bat, contact your veterinarian.


Download the fact sheet (in English and Espanol)!

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