LONGVIEW — It’s unclear whether a bat that tested positive for rabies bit or scratched the Cowlitz County resident who found it, said Kristin Young, communications manager for Cowlitz County Health and Human Services, on Monday.

Bat bites are typically small and can be difficult to detect. Health and Human Services previously reported that it was working with the resident to ensure treatment is available if necessary.

When Health and Human Services receives a call about a possible bat exposure, public health nurses conduct a detailed interview to determine what happened, Young said. If it seems likely a person was exposed, the bat is sent for rabies testing if it has been caught.

Bat exposures can happen anywhere bats live or can become trapped, both indoors and outdoors, she said.

Bat

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