12 rabid bats found in Washington since August



OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The Washington State Department of Health says a dozen bats found in parks and homes have been found since Aug. 1.

Health officials say they regularly test and find rabid bats, but these numbers are the highest in a decade.

A total of 21 bats have tested positive for rabies this year, with some cases locally including King and Snohomish counties.

"Whether the rise is due to increased public awareness or other factors is not clear," the health department wrote in a statement. "What is clear is that many members of the public are doing the right thing: alerting local health officials if a family member or pet encounters a bat."


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