3 Snohomish County residents exposed to rabid bat, undergoing preventative treatment

Published 11:44 am Friday, May 29, 2026

EVERETT — Three Snohomish County residents are receiving preventative treatment for rabies after being exposed to a bat that tested positive for the disease, according to a Friday press release from the Snohomish County Health Department.

The case is the first positive rabies test for a bat in Snohomish County since 2023, according to the release.

On Sunday night, the bat flew into a private home in rural eastern Snohomish County. The next day, the bat was captured and taken to a wildlife center. On Wednesday, test results from the Washington State Public Health Laboratory showed that the bat was positive for rabies.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. The disease is almost always fatal if not treated quickly, health officials said. Humans can contract the disease through scratches or bites from infected animals.

Bats are the only known natural carriers of rabies in Washington. Other animals, including unvaccinated pets, can become infected if exposed.

The three residents exposed to the bat are receiving treatment, which is nearly 100% effective in preventing rabies, according to the health department. The treatment includes a series of rabies vaccines and a dose of human rabies immune globulin, which provides immediate antibodies to those exposed.

The bat is the second positive rabies case in the state this year. In January, a rabid bat was identified in Lewis County, according to the state health department.

Only 1% of bats carry the rabies virus. Bats are beneficial for the environment, acting as nocturnal pollinators and eating insects, officials said in the release.

As the weather gets warmer, bats are emerging from winter hibernation. Spending more time outdoors and leaving doors and windows open increases people’s chances of encountering a bat.

“Bat season has officially started,” said Susan Babcock, a public health nurse with the Snohomish County Health Department’s prevention services division, in the release. “Be respectful of bats and other wildlife by avoiding touching or handling them.”

People should never handle bats with bare hands, and should only capture bats that have had direct contact with a person or pet, were in a room where someone was sleeping or were in a room with a child, health officials said.

Residents can bat-proof their homes by sealing holes in siding or roofing, capping chimneys, using screens on windows and vents and keeping outside doors fully closed. Residents should also ensure their pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccines, health officials said.

For those cleaning a building where bats may be present, such as an attic or barn, be sure to wear leather gloves, long sleeves, pants and a wide-brimmed hat.

Snohomish County residents who find a bat in their home and are concerned about a possible human or pet exposure should call the Snohomish County Health Department at 425-339-3503.

Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.