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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Dead bat found in fabric store was rabid

Associated Press

OLYMPIA – Health officials said a dead bat found in the Halloween section of an Olympia fabric store has tested positive for rabies.

The Thurston County Health Department said two customers who found the bat Sept. 9 have received precautionary rabies vaccinations.

A Washington state public health lab confirmed this week that the bat was rabid.

County health officials are asking any other customers at the Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Store between Sept. 2 and Sept. 9 who might have touched the bat to contact the health department.

County health officer Dr. Diana Yu said no one is at risk unless he or she came in contact with the bat.

State Health Department spokesman Tim Church told the Olympian that between a dozen and 23 bats test positive for rabies statewide each year.