Rabies Health department looking for people who helped sick bat near Arboretum last week

King County Public Health seeks two individuals who interacted with a rabid bat found near Washington Park Arboretum on September 23. The injured bat was euthanized the next day after testing positive for rabies. Health officials stress that anyone who contacted the bat should seek a medical evaluation immediately. They provide detailed instructions for safely managing bat encounters, advising against direct contact and recommending that concerned individuals call animal control. Public Health offers rabies testing for bats at no charge under certain conditions.

If a bat comes into direct contact with humans or pets, it should be captured for testing. This incident highlights the ongoing public health concern regarding rabies in wildlife. No further updates have been reported since the initial announcement.