WHIDBEY ISLAND STATION, Wash. — Officials from the Department of Public Health reported that a resident of Whidbey Island was bitten by a bat that tested positive for rabies last week.
On August 1, a resident of Whidbey Island made the discovery of a large brown bat, also known as an Eptesicus fuscus, outside of their residence, as reported by Island County. Another resident was bitten by the bat, which resulted in them being exposed to the rabies virus. Following the administration of the post-exposure immunization, the official stated that the resident was in good health as of Thursday.
As far as the authorities are aware, bats are the only known mammal in the state of Washington that may carry rabies. However, they are capable of transmitting rabies to other mammals in the state of Washington. In the state of Washington, this was the fourth case of bat rabies that has been documented so far this year.
Although rabies is a disease that can be fatal in both humans and animals, it is possible to avoid contracting the disease if appropriate medical care is performed after probable exposure to rabies. Officials advised that if you are bitten or scratched by a bat, you should first wash the affected area with soap and water and then get in touch with your primary care physician.
It is recommended by the Department of Health (DOH) of the state of Washington that children should not contact wild animals in any way, including dead bats, and that individuals should not handle wild animals. If children discover a bat at home, at school, or with a pet, the Department of Health recommends that they immediately inform an adult. It was recommended by state health officials that any wild animal be left alone.
In the state of Washington, individuals are expected to ensure that their dogs, cats, and ferrets have had the most recent dose of the rabies vaccine.
Observations of wildlife, as well as animals that are sick or dead, can be reported to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife by members of the general public.