Cat saves owner from rabies positive bat in WA state home. Luckily, it had its shots
A cat caught Thurston County’s first rabies positive-bat of 2022 in its owner’s home on Monday.
Thurston County collected the bat on a “particularly busy” Monday when it responded to three separate bat incidents, according to a Wednesday news release.
The bats were found in bedrooms where people were sleeping, according to the release from Public Health and Social Services. One of them tested positive at the Washington State Public Health Lab and PHSS received the result late Tuesday.
Though the cat was exposed to rabies, it should survive the duel with the bat. The release says the cat was up to date on its rabies vaccinations and should receive a booster dose for added protection.
To ensure the cat remains healthy, its owner will observe their feline friend at home for 45 days. Those who were exposed to the rabies-positive bat have started preventative vaccinations as well, according to the release.
A dog caught the second bat and residents caught the third. Those bats were also tested, but the release indicates the rabies test was negative.
This is the fourth rabies case detected in Washington state this year. Three others were detected in Mason, Snohomish and Kittitas counties this summer, according to the state Department of Health.
The state confirmed 12 bats had rabies in 2021, including one in Thurston County. In 2020, there were eight confirmed cases and none in Thurston County.
Bats are the primary animal that carry rabies in Washington state, according to the DOH. Other animals, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes or coyotes, also can carry the virus, but the state has not identified cases in those animals lately.
To avoid rabies exposure, PHSS recommends not handling bats, alive or dead. Pets should also be kept away from bats and be vaccinated against rabies in accordance with state law.
“It is not possible to tell if a bat has rabies just from its appearance,” the release says. “Whether a bat is alive or dead, handling an infected bat can potentially transfer rabies.”
If someone finds a bat in their home, PHSS advises capturing the bat so it can be tested.
When the bat lands, residents can place a container over it and slide cardboard under the container to trap it inside, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a bat should wash the area with soap and water and call PHSS at 360-867-2667 during business hours. If calling after business hours or during weekends, PHSS says exposed individuals should call 911.
More information on bats and how to bat-proof a home can be found by visiting the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
This story was originally published August 24, 2022 at 3:41 PM with the headline "Cat saves owner from rabies positive bat in WA state home. Luckily, it had its shots."
