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Health officer warns about bats and rabies; three positive bats in state so far
Summary
Dr. Alan Melnick told the Board of Health that bats are the primary rabies reservoir in Washington and that three bats in the state have tested positive this year; none were reported in Clark County. He urged residents not to handle bats and to contact public health after potential exposures.
Dr. Alan Melnick reminded residents that bats are the primary reservoir for rabies in Washington and reviewed precautions for people who encounter bats. He said that, while a small percentage of bats test positive when specimens from human encounters are submitted, rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop and public health can advise on testing and post‑exposure vaccination.
"So far this year, three bats in Washington have tested positive for rabies. None in Clark County," Melnick said, and added that public health recommends assuming bats encountered by people may require evaluation. He explained the process public health uses to determine whether a bat specimen should be submitted for testing and whether post‑exposure prophylaxis is needed. Boardmembers asked clarifying questions about how to recognize concerning bat encounters; Melnick said people cannot reliably tell by appearance whether a bat carries rabies and should avoid handling bats or letting children handle them. The board received no action items on the topic beyond the public guidance.
