Public health officials are urging individuals who may have had contact with a rabid bat found near the University of Washington campus to seek immediate medical evaluation. The bat, which tested positive for rabies on Friday, July 17, 2026, was discovered on a busy sidewalk near the university.
Incident Details and Location
The rabid animal was first identified on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, on University Way Northeast, located between Northeast 41st and Northeast 42nd streets. This area is situated near Parrington Lawn on the University of Washington campus and is characterized as a high-traffic location with numerous businesses. Public Health – Seattle & King County received multiple reports from the public regarding the bat and directed callers to contact animal control services. The bat was subsequently euthanized by an animal control agency on July 16, 2026.
Risk Assessment and Medical Guidance
Public health officials have confirmed that the individuals who initially reported the bat did not have physical contact with it, and as of the most recent update, no other exposures have been identified. However, officials emphasize that anyone who may have had physical contact with the bat—including touching it, being bitten or scratched, or experiencing bare skin contact with the bat or its saliva—could be at risk for rabies.
According to Jocelyn Mullins, a public health veterinarian at Public Health – Seattle & King County, rabies is a life-threatening, viral disease of the central nervous system that is almost always fatal once symptoms manifest. However, the disease is preventable if medical treatment is administered before the onset of symptoms. Officials advise anyone who believes they had contact with the bat to seek a medical evaluation immediately or call Public Health at 206-296-4774 to determine if preventative treatment is necessary.
Guidance for Pet Owners
The risk extends to animals as well as humans. If a pet is suspected of having had contact with the rabid bat, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately. While dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses should be kept current on their rabies vaccinations, any pet that has had contact with a bat will require revaccination. Public health officials reiterate that maintaining up-to-date vaccinations is the most effective way to protect pets from the virus.
How to Safely Handle Bats
Public Health – Seattle & King County has provided specific protocols for handling bats to minimize the risk of exposure:
- If you see a bat outdoors: Do not touch it. If the bat appears sick, contact local animal control services.
- If you find a bat inside your home: Contact Public Health at 206-296-4774 to discuss whether the bat requires testing. In certain circumstances, the agency provides rabies testing at no charge.
- If no contact occurred: Open windows to allow the bat to leave, close doors to other parts of the residence, and keep pets away from the area.
- If contact occurred: If a bat had direct contact with a person’s bare skin, a pet, or if a person wakes up to find a bat in their sleeping quarters, the bat must be captured for potential testing. Use a shovel or thick gloves to place the bat in a box. Do not discard the animal.
