Rabid Bat Found in Seattle Near the University of Washington

What Happened?

On July 15, 2026, a bat with rabies was found on the sidewalk on University Way Northeast, between NE 41st and NE 42nd streets in Seattle. This spot is close to Parrington Lawn on the University of Washington campus — a busy area with lots of shops and people.

Here is the timeline of events:

1. July 15, 2026: The bat was first seen. People called Public Health – Seattle & King County to report it. They were told to contact animal control.
2. July 16, 2026: An animal control agency humanely put the bat to sleep (euthanized it).
3. July 17, 2026: Public Health tested the bat and found it had rabies (a positive test).

The people who reported the bat did not touch it, and so far no one else is known to have touched this bat.

Important: If you think you touched this bat — even if you were not bitten — you could be in danger. Call Public Health at 206-296-4774 right away or get medical help to see if you need rabies prevention treatment.

Why Rabies Is Serious (But Preventable)

Rabies is a sickness that can kill you. But here is the good news: it can be stopped if you get treatment before you feel sick. Once signs of rabies show up, it is almost always fatal.

Who Is at Risk?

Any person or animal that touched the bat or its spit (saliva) could catch rabies. This includes:

• Touching a bat
• Being bitten or scratched
• Any bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva

As Public Health Veterinarian Jocelyn Mullins said: “Rabies is treatable if caught before symptoms appear, so identifying anyone who has had contact with the bat as soon as possible is important.”

Important: Rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms start, but it is preventable with early treatment.

Rabies and Pets

If your pet may have touched this bat, call your vet immediately. This includes:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Ferrets
• Horses

These animals should already have their rabies shot, but if they met a bat, they need a new (booster) vaccine. The best way to protect pets is to keep their rabies vaccines up to date.

More About Rabies

Rabies is a virus (a tiny germ) that attacks the brain and nerves. It is almost always deadly once symptoms begin. The germ lives in the saliva of a sick animal and usually spreads by bite or scratch.

Key facts to remember:

• If someone touched a bat, treatment can stop the infection — give it as soon as possible.
• Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system (brain and nerves) that is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
• The virus is in the saliva and usually passed by bite or scratch. Because it is life-threatening, get medical help fast if a bat touches a human or animal.

If You Find a Bat

Outside

• Do not touch the bat.
• If it looks sick, call animal control. You can find services here: Find animal control services.

Inside Your Home

• Call Public Health at 206-296-4774 to talk about the situation and see if the bat needs testing. They test bats for free in some cases.
• If the bat did not touch a person or pet, open windows so it can fly out. Close doors to other rooms and keep pets away.
• If the bat touched a person’s bare skin or a pet, OR if you wake up and find a bat in your bedroom, the bat should be caught and maybe tested:
  • Use a shovel or thick gloves to put a dead bat in a box.
  • Do not throw it away!
• More safe catching tips: kingcounty.gov/bats.

Summary

A rabid bat was found near the University of Washington on July 15, 2026, and tested positive on July 17. No known person touched it, but anyone who did should call 206-296-4774 immediately. Rabies is deadly after symptoms start but can be prevented with quick treatment. Keep pets vaccinated, never touch bats, and call experts if you find one.

FAQ

1. What should I do if I touched the rabid bat?
Call Public Health at 206-296-4774 or get medical help right away to see if you need prevention treatment.

2. Can my pet get rabies from the bat?
Yes, if your pet had contact, call your vet immediately. Even vaccinated pets need a booster shot after bat contact.

3. Is rabies always fatal?
Once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. But treatment before symptoms works and prevents the disease.

4. What if I find a bat in my house but it didn’t touch anyone?
Open windows to let it leave, close off other rooms, and keep pets away. Call Public Health if unsure.

5. Who pays for bat rabies testing?
Public Health tests bats for rabies at no charge in certain situations — call them to find out.