Rabid Bat Found Near Waterville

A rabid bat was found near Waterville Wednesday.

According to the Chelan-Douglas Health District, the bat was brought into a home by a house cat. The health district eventually sent the bat to the Washington State Lab for rabies testing, receiving a positive result Thursday.

Anyone who has contact with a rabid bat is at risk of getting rabies and is advised to seek an immediate medical evaluation. The incident also highlights the importance of getting any pets you may have vaccinated against the rabies virus, which is also required in Washington State.

The last reported rabid bat in the two county area was 2018, when ten bats who came into contact with humans tested positive.