Welcome to Skagit County

August 27, 2015

County Health issues rabies prevention information

MOUNT VERNON – County Health officials today issued recommendations about how to prevent rabies, most often transmitted by bats.

Rabies, a viral disease that is almost always fatal in humans, is usually transmitted through a bite from a rabid animal. Bats are the only reservoir of rabies in Washington State, but other wild or domestic mammals can be infected if they are bitten by a rabid bat.
Take these precautions to keep you, your family and pets safe.

Teach children not to handle unfamiliar animals. That goes for grown-ups too!
If you find a down or injured bat leave it alone if possible. If you need to move the bat for safety, use a shovel or wear heavy gloves.
Prevent bats from entering your home where they might contact people or pets.
Contact the Health Department immediately if exposure to people or pets occurs.
Be a responsible pet owner by keeping vaccinations current for all dogs, cats and ferrets.
Keep your cats inside especially at night. Keep your dogs under direct supervision.
Wash any animal bite wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

“The bottom line is that rabies is easily prevented and well worth prevention,” said Public Health official Jeanne King, “because the consequences are very high.”
If you have questions concerning rabies in Skagit County, please email King at jeannek@co.skagit.wa.us or visit the Centers for Disease Control website at:
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies