Notification of Public Risk: Bat Found (Rabies Unknown) at Don Morse Park in Chelan, WA

Chelan County, WA— A dead bat was found in the City of Chelan - Don Morse Park located at 485 W. Manson Hwy, Chelan, WA 98816 on June 28, 2018. Animal Control delivered the dead bat to Chelan-Douglas Health District. Due to the condition of the bat, it could not be tested for rabies. However, it was clear that the bat did not get to the location of its discovery on its own, so it must have been touched at some point. If the bat had rabies, touching it without gloves might expose a person or pet to rabies.

Chelan-Douglas Health District asks that you contact your local health jurisdiction if you or someone you know, or any of their pets, touched this bat. For any Chelan-Douglas residents, please call 509-886-6400 Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Anyone who encounters a bat should be evaluated by a medical professional for risk of rabies. If bitten, the medical provider should immediately report the bat bite to Chelan-Douglas Health District or your local health jurisdiction.

Please remember to never touch live or dead wild animals – especially bats, and keep all pets updated on their vaccines as required by Washington State Law (WAC 246-100-197). Please contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has come in contact with a bat.

Additional Resources:

Chelan-Douglas Health District

Washington State Department of Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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