SPOKANE, Wash. – A bat found in Spokane County tested positive for rabies, according to the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD).
This marks the first rabid bat reported in Spokane County and the second in Washington State in 2025, SRHD said in a release.
The bat was confirmed positive by the Washington State Department of Health on July 3, 2024.
Three people exposed to the bat have been notified and are receiving rabies post-exposure treatment.
Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system and can be fatal if untreated. While bats are the only animals in Washington known to carry rabies, SRHD emphasizes the importance of vaccinating pets.
SRHD advises pet owners to keep pets indoors at night and ensure windows and doors are screened to prevent contact with bats. If a pet catches a bat, owners should safely capture the bat if possible and wash any bite wounds on the pet while wearing gloves.
If a bat is found on your property, SRHD recommends contacting them if there is direct contact with people or pets, or if a bat is found in a room with a sleeping person or an unattended child.
