Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Spokane County

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  A bat found in Spokane County tested positive for rabies“Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) confirmed by laboratory testing that a bat found in Spokane County tested positive for rabies.”
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  The rabies case in Spokane County marks the first such case since 2025“The last positive case of rabies in a bat in Spokane County was in 2025.”
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  The bat was submitted for testing on July 24, 2026No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The Washington State Department of Health confirmed the bat tested positive“As part of regular surveillance, a bat was submitted to the Washington State Public Health Laboratory for rabies testing and was confirmed positive by Washington State Department of Health (DOH) on July 24, 2026.”
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  The Spokane Regional Health District noted it is the fifth rabies case in Washington state this year“This is the first rabid bat reported in Spokane County and the fifth in Washington state in 2026 (Rabies Activity in Washington).”
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  No people or pets were exposed to the bat“No people or pets were exposed to this bat.”
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  Health officials urged residents to take precautions to prevent contact with bats“To help prevent contact with a bat:Bring pets into the house at night.Keep all doors and windows closed unless screened.Close pet doors to prevent pets from going outside or bringing a bat inside the house, particularly at night.Cover attic vents and cap chimneys.Ensure exterior doors to basement and attic are closed and in good condition.Repair and seal loose shingles and siding.Seal up junctions between roof and dormer soffit, behind downspouts and gutters, between masonry and siding, and under eaves.”
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  The health district provided guidance on preventing bat contact“To help prevent contact with a bat:Bring pets into the house at night.Keep all doors and windows closed unless screened.Close pet doors to prevent pets from going outside or bringing a bat inside the house, particularly at night.Cover attic vents and cap chimneys.Ensure exterior doors to basement and attic are closed and in good condition.Repair and seal loose shingles and siding.Seal up junctions between roof and dormer soffit, behind downspouts and gutters, between masonry and siding, and under eaves.”
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  The guidance includes securing homes“Close pet doors to prevent pets from going outside or bringing a bat inside the house, particularly at night.Cover attic vents and cap chimneys.Ensure exterior doors to basement and attic are closed and in good condition.Repair and seal loose shingles and siding.Seal up junctions between roof and dormer soffit, behind downspouts and gutters, between masonry and siding, and under eaves.”
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  The guidance includes seeking medical advice if contact occurs“Contact SRHD and your health care provider when:People or pets have direct contact with the bat.”
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  SRHD's website offers fact sheets on bat safety“This page includes printable, PDF fact sheets regarding:Bats on your propertyBats in contact with peopleBats in contact with petsBatSmart FAQs”
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  SRHD's website offers fact sheets on rabies prevention“More information about bats and rabies can be found at on the Bats & Rabies page on srhd.org. This page includes printable, PDF fact sheets regarding:Bats on your propertyBats in contact with peopleBats in contact with petsBatSmart FAQs”