A King County Public Health investigation identified a bat found in Renton as infected with rabies.

According to a release from the Department of Public Health – Seattle and King County, a King County resident first discovered and observed the bat on Aug. 29, found at 415 Rainier Avenue North in front of several businesses. The resident reported the bat to a local wildlife rehabilitation center with the bat euthanized at the center the day of discovery. Public health officials tested the bat for rabies and received a positive test the following day, Aug. 30.

King County Public Health reports it has identified “at least” two individuals “who may have been” exposed to the bat, with Public Health evaluating both to determine any need for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

The treatment includes wound washing, the administration of human rabies immune globulin, and a four-dose series of a rabies vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rabies is a fatal, “but preventable,” viral disease.

“Immediate medical attention following suspected rabies exposure is critical. … Care is vital to prevent the disease from developing. It is nearly 100% effective if administered promptly,” the CDC’s website states. “Each year, 60,000 Americans receive [post-exposure] prophylaxis after a potential rabies exposure.”

The Department of Public Health requested anyone “who might have had contact with this bat … even if not bitten” to seek immediate medical evaluation.

“Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten, scratched, or any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva,” said Elysia Gonzales, medical epidemiologist at Public Health – Seattle and King County.

The department additionally requested owners of pets exposed to the infected bat to contact a veterinarian immediately.