Richmond Doctor Gets 4-Shot Rabies Series After Waking With Bat in Mouth
Updated
Updated · WWBT · Aug 26
Richmond Doctor Gets 4-Shot Rabies Series After Waking With Bat in Mouth
3 articles · Updated · WWBT · Aug 26
Summary
Aug. 20 exposure sent Richmond gastroenterologist Krista Edelman for rabies treatment after she woke with a bat in her mouth and could not rule out a bite.
No wound was visible, but doctors said bat teeth can leave tiny, unfelt punctures and mouth exposure is especially concerning because rabies is fatal once symptoms begin.
Her husband trapped the bat for testing, and Edelman received a vaccine dose Thursday night and another Sunday before the animal came back negative, ending the rest of the 4-shot series.
Richmond and Henrico have recorded at least 5 rabies-positive bats this year, while Virginia has confirmed 19 statewide so far versus an average of about 25 annually.
Virginia health officials say people should safely contain bats for testing after direct contact, waking in a room with one, or finding one near a sleeping child or pet.