Bats and Rabies Safety Tips Issued

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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  Kitsap Public Health District has issued a public warning about rabies risks associated with bats.“Bats are most active during warm summer months. While bats play an important role in our ecosystem, they can spread rabies. Be careful around bats!Bats are the only animal known to carry rabies in Washington state.”
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  Bats are the only animals known to carry rabies in Washington state.“Bats are the only animal known to carry rabies in Washington state.”
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  Residents are advised to avoid contact with bats.“Most bats do not have rabies, but it's important to keep your family and pets safe by avoiding contact with bats and making sure pets are vaccinated.”
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  Residents are advised to secure homes to prevent bat entry.“Preventing exposure to rabiesKeep bats out of your home. Add screens to windows and doors and cover openings (even very small ones) that bats could crawl through.”
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  Residents are advised to ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies.“Most bats do not have rabies, but it's important to keep your family and pets safe by avoiding contact with bats and making sure pets are vaccinated.”
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  Rabies infection is almost always fatal without prompt medical treatment.“Rabies infection almost always causes death. However, people who are exposed to rabies can prevent infection by getting fast medical treatment.”
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  Bats can transmit rabies through bites, scratches, or licking.“Bats can spread rabies by biting, scratching, or licking a person or animal.”
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  Most bats do not carry the virus.“Most bats do not have rabies, but it's important to keep your family and pets safe by avoiding contact with bats and making sure pets are vaccinated.”
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  Residents are urged to wash any potential exposure with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.“Wash the bite, scratch, or contact area(s) immediately with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.”
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  Residents are urged to contact healthcare providers within 24 hours if bat contact occurs.“Contact your healthcare provider or call Kitsap Public Health District at 360-728-2235 within 24 hours. Kitsap Public Health will get back to you within one business day.”
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  The health district recommends installing screens on windows and doors to keep bats out.“Preventing exposure to rabiesKeep bats out of your home. Add screens to windows and doors and cover openings (even very small ones) that bats could crawl through.”
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  The health district recommends teaching children to avoid bats.“Teach children to never touch bats and to tell an adult if they find a bat at home, at school, or with a pet.”
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  The health district recommends capturing bats safely for rabies testing if contact happens.“If possible, try to safely capture the bat for rabies testing. Wear thick gloves when handling the bat.”
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  Kitsap Public Health District can be reached at 360-728-2235 for immediate guidance.“Contact your healthcare provider or call Kitsap Public Health District at 360-728-2235 within 24 hours. Kitsap Public Health will get back to you within one business day.”
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  Responses from Kitsap Public Health District will be provided within one business day.“Kitsap Public Health will get back to you within one business day.”