Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection that affects the central nervous system and can be spread by contact with the saliva and urine of infected animals. While all mammals can potentially be infected with the rabies virus, only bats are a significant carrier of this infection in Washington State.
If someone has been exposed to a bat or bitten by an animal that may be rabid contact Public Health Services at 360-417-2274 to begin the testing process.