Health

Bat Rabies Case Confirmed in Ferry County Area

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

2 min read

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Northeast Tri County Health District confirmed a bat tested positive for rabies after individuals in another Washington county slept in a room where the bat was found. The exposed individuals, not from Ferry County, have begun post-exposure treatment. The District coordinated with the Washington State Department of Health and the other county for follow-up care.

Rabies is almost always fatal if untreated. The Health District advises Ferry County residents to keep pets indoors at night, close doors and windows, and seal entry points to prevent bat contact. Bats should not be handled directly; if contact occurs, residents should contact the District at 509-684-2262 Option 2.

Residents should ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies, as required by state law. The District emphasizes that bats are beneficial but should be avoided if they have contact with people or animals. More safety tips are available on the Washington Department of Health website.

📄 Source: County Government — https://netchd.org/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/186

Source receipts9 of 15 claims supported · 60%

Legacy automated check: the original source text was not preserved. These earlier verdicts have not passed the current publication checks and may contain errors. Source: original document ↗

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A bat tested positive for rabies“Test results confirmed the bat was positive for rabies.”
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Individuals in another Washington county slept in a room where the bat was found“The individuals who were exposed are residents of another Washington county.”
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The exposed individuals, not from Ferry County, have begun post-exposure treatment“The individuals who were exposed are residents of another Washington county. The District has coordinated with that county and the Washington State Department of Health to support follow-up recommendations for treatment. Rabies can be prevented when post-exposure treatment is started before symptoms appear, and the exposed individuals have begun Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.”
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The Northeast Tri County Health District coordinated with the Washington State Department of Health“The District has coordinated with that county and the Washington State Department of Health to support follow-up recommendations for treatment.”
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The Northeast Tri County Health District coordinated with the other county for follow-up care“The District has coordinated with that county and the Washington State Department of Health to support follow-up recommendations for treatment.”
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Rabies is almost always fatal if untreated“Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal if untreated.”
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The Health District advises Ferry County residents to keep pets indoors at nightNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The Health District advises Ferry County residents to close doors and windowsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The Health District advises Ferry County residents to seal entry points to prevent bat contactNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Bats should not be handled directlyNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Residents should contact the District at 509-684-2262 Option 2 if contact occurs“Contact the District at 509-684-2262 Option 2 for additional instructions.”
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Residents should ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies“Washington state law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated according to veterinary guidance and vaccine manufacturer instructions (WAC 246-100-197).”
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The District emphasizes that bats are beneficialNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The District emphasizes that bats should be avoided if they have contact with people or animalsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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More safety tips are available on the Washington Department of Health website“Additional materials about bat safety are available on the Washington Department of Health Rabies website.”