SEATTLE — A bat that swooped down and became caught in a woman’s hair near Staircase Bridge in Olympic National Park has tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to urge the woman and anyone else who may have had contact with the animal to seek medical attention.The rabid bat was found Sunday near Staircase Bridge. At about 2 p.m., the bat swooped down onto an unidentified woman and was temporarily caught in her hair, according to a park alert issued Wednesday by Olympic National Park. The woman is considered at risk for rabies and should seek health care immediately and contact the Mason County Health Department at 360-427-9670, ext. 405.The bat also swooped at other visitors in the area, and it is unknown whether anyone else had contact with it, the health department said. Anyone who may have come into contact with a bat in the area, even if they were not bitten, should promptly contact a health care provider and their local health department to determine whether treatment is necessary. People concerned that a pet may have had direct contact with a bat should contact a veterinarian. Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect any mammal, with bats the most common carriers. The virus is typically transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or through contact with its saliva.Bat bites and scratches can be small and may not be visible or painful. Anyone who believes they may have had direct contact with a bat should immediately speak with a health care provider to evaluate the risk of exposure. Rabies can be prevented when appropriate medical care is received promptly after exposure.Washington is home to many bats, the vast majority of which are healthy, according to park officials. Bats play important roles in the ecosystem, including pest control, pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling, according to park officials. Visitors to Olympic National Park should not touch or handle bats or other wild animals. Anyone who encounters a bat, dead or alive, should keep their distance and notify park staff.
