Rabid Bat Found At Woodinville Park

WOODINVILLE, WA - King County health officials have confirmed that a rabid bat was found recently at Hollywood Hill Equestrian Park in Woodinville.

The bat was spotted on June 24 near the seating area at the park, but may have been there on June 23 as well. The bat was taken to a wildlife center for treatment, but the animal quickly developed symptoms of rabies. The rabies case was confirmed July 6 by a lab test.

Health officials are looking for anyone who may have had contact with the bat. Although rabies is almost always fatal, the disease can be stopped if treatment begins before symptoms set in.

"Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten, scratched, or any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva," King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin said in a press release.

In late May, a University of Washington student was bitten by a bat near Husky Stadium. The bat latched on to the man's hand and would not let go. He received treatment for the bite and made a full recovery.

The Hollywood Hill Equestrian Park is located at 15502 Northeast 165th St.

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