As you may recall, back in July a rabid bat was discovered at Madison Park. It was scary stuff, leading at least one intrepid reporter to wonder if zombie bats would be soon to follow.

So far, no zombie bats. But that may soon change, as yet another rabid bad was discovered clinging to the bottom of a tree on the playground at Madison Park last Saturday, according to the King County Public Health department.

Whoa, you’re surely saying. Two rabid bats at the same park in one summer? Surely, something must be afoot …

Not so fast, according to one local veterinarian and medical epidemiologist.

“This bat was from a different, more solitary species than the rabid bat found at Madison Park beach earlier this summer,” Dr. Meagan Kay informs in an official Public Health department press release. “This tells us that the two cases were an unusual coincidence, not suggestive of an outbreak among local bat colonies.”

Phew.

That’s not to say precautions weren’t taken – and shouldn’t still be taken. According to the Public Health department, after the rabid bat was discovered a grounds crew taped off the area and called animal control. Meanwhile, anyone who touched or had contact of any kind with the bat is urged to call the Public Health department ASAP, as, according to the press release, “Anyone who touched or had contact with the bat or its saliva could be at risk to develop rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.” Luckily, the release continues, “Rabies can be prevented if treatment is given before symptoms appear.”