Rabid Bat Found Near Campus of U. Washington in Seattle

Rabid Bat Found Near Campus of U. Washington in Seattle

Authorities are cautioning that any contact with this animal puts a person at risk. Yikes.

Public Health Insider reports:

Rabid bat found in Seattle near the University of Washington

A rabid bat was found in Seattle on July 15, 2026, on the sidewalk on University Way Northeast, between NE 41st and NE 42nd streets. This is near Parrington Lawn, on the University of Washington campus, and is a busy area with many businesses.

Anyone who might have had physical contact with this bat (even if not bitten) could be at risk and should seek medical evaluation immediately or call Public Health at 206-296-4774 to determine if rabies preventative treatment is necessary.

Rabies is a life-threatening disease but can be prevented if treatment is given before symptoms appear.

The bat was first identified on July 15, 2026. Public Health – Seattle & King County received multiple public calls about the bat and directed people to contact animal control. The bat was euthanized by an animal control agency on July 16, 2026. Public Health tested the bat for rabies and received a positive test on July 17, 2026.

Public Health confirmed the callers reporting the bat did not have physical contact with the bat. To date, no other people are known to have been exposed to this bat. If you had any contact with this bat, please call Public Health or seek medical evaluation immediately.

Any person or animal that touched or had contact with the bat or its saliva could be at risk of getting rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. Fortunately, rabies can be prevented if treatment is given before symptoms appear.

“Rabies is treatable if caught before symptoms appear, so identifying anyone who has had contact with the bat as soon as possible is important,” said Jocelyn Mullins, Public Health Veterinarian at Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten or scratched, or having any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva.”

Donations tax deductible
to the full extent allowed by law.