Bat tests positive for rabies after getting caught in Olympic National Park hiker's hair
KOMO • • health
Key Points:
- A bat caught in a woman’s hair near Staircase Bridge in Olympic National Park has tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to urge the woman and others who may have had contact with the bat to seek immediate medical attention.
- The bat swooped down at multiple visitors in the area, and anyone who may have come into contact with the bat, even without a bite or scratch, should contact a health care provider and local health department to assess the need for treatment.
- Rabies, a deadly virus commonly carried by bats, can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with saliva, and prompt medical care after exposure is crucial to prevent the disease.
- Park officials emphasize that while most bats in Washington are healthy and play important ecological roles, visitors should avoid touching or handling bats and report any encounters to park staff.
