SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A bat found in a Skagit County child’s bedroom has been confirmed to be infected with rabies.

KIRO reports that the family isn’t sure if the child or their pets were in contact with the bat, but they are seeking medical treatment.

It’s the first confirmed case of rabies in Skagit County and just the fourth in Washington state this year.

There haven’t been any cases of rabid animals confirmed in Whatcom County this year, but there was one case in 2024.

Residents are advised to avoid contact with wild animals, especially bats, and to keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date.

Rabies can be treated shortly after contact with an infected animal, but it is almost always fatal once symptoms occur.