Bat in WA store’s Halloween section was rabid

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Health officials say a dead bat found in the Halloween section of an Olympia, Wash., fabric store has tested positive for rabies.

The Thurston County Health Department says 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 who might have touched the bat between Sept. 2 and Sept. 9 to contact the health department.

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

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

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Information from: The Olympian, http://www.theolympian.com