3 receiving preventive treatment after exposure to rabid bat in Snohomish County home

May 29, 2026 - 18:23

Three people in Snohomish County are undergoing a series of rabies shots after coming into contact with a bat that later tested positive for the disease. Local health officials confirmed the animal was found inside a home in the county, prompting the preventive treatment for the exposed individuals.

Rabies is a viral illness that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Because of this, anyone who has direct contact with a potentially rabid animal is advised to begin post-exposure prophylaxis immediately. The treatment involves a dose of rabies immune globulin and a series of four vaccines over two weeks.

Health authorities remind the public that bats are the primary source of rabies in Washington state. They urge residents to avoid handling bats or any wild animal that appears sick or disoriented. If a bat is found inside a home, officials recommend contacting local animal control rather than trying to remove it yourself.

Anyone who wakes up to find a bat in their bedroom or sees one near an unattended child or pet should seek medical advice, as bites from bats can be small and hard to notice. The three individuals in Snohomish County are expected to recover fully thanks to the quick administration of the preventive treatment.