Three Snohomish County residents begin rabies prevention after exposure to rabid bat

Three Snohomish County residents are undergoing post‑exposure rabies treatment after a private‑home bat tested positive for rabies. The bat was captured and confirmed by the Washington State Public Health Laboratory; the patients are receiving rabies vaccinations plus human rabies immune globulin, a near‑100% preventive approach. Rabies in wild bats is rare, and officials urge precautions (sealing openings, pet vaccination, avoiding handling bats) as bat season begins; exposure concerns can be directed to the local health department at 425-339-3503.