Bat tests positive for rabies in Spokane County

SPOKANE, Wash. -- The Spokane Regional Health District confirmed Friday that someone found a bat that tested positive for rabies in Spokane County.

SRHD said someone living in Spokane County notified the District that they had been exposed to the bat, so the mammal was brought in for testing. A positive result was reported by the Washington State Department of Health on Friday.

So far this year, this is the first bat to test positive for rabies in Spokane County, and the 10th cases in the state. The last time a bat tested positive for rabies in this county was last year, according to SRHD.

The person who was exposed to the bat is now getting medical care. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that impacts the nervous system. It's a requirement for dogs, cats and ferrets in Washington to get their annual rabies vaccines.

Experts say bats are most active at night, so when it gets dark, bring your pets inside; keep your doors and windows closed, if they don't have screens and close pet door flaps so animals don't bring bats in the house.

Those who are exposed to bats should contact SRHD and their health care provider.

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