A bat in Cowlitz County has tested positive for rabies, according to the Cowlitz County Department of Health & Human Services. The department says they are working with the family where the bat was found to make sure anyone who may have been exposed receives proper treatment, and to check whether pets were exposed.

This is the first confirmed rabies case in the county since 2019. Rabies is a severe viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal. People can get rabies from being bitten by an infected animal, or if saliva from the animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound.

Health officials say that bat bites can be difficult to detect because their teeth are small and marks may not be visible. Anyone who believes they may have been bitten should wash the area with soap and water, then contact their healthcare provider and the Cowlitz County Department of Health & Human Services at 360-414-5599.