Notification of Public Risk: Rabid Bat Found at Morris Building Parking Lot in Wenatchee, WA

Chelan County, WA— A rabid bat was found in the Morris building parking lot located at 23 S. Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801 on July 5, 2018. Animal Control delivered the dead bat to Chelan-Douglas Health District who turned it into the Washington State Lab for testing. The Morris building parking lot and its stairwell is often used by employees of the Morris building. It is unknown if anyone, or any pet, came in touch with the rabid bat. Touching the rabid bat, without gloves, may 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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