Virginia doctor wakes to bat in mouth, urges rabies testing after near-miss

A Richmond gastroenterologist awoke to a bat attempting to enter her mouth, trapped it for rabies testing, and sought urgent care; the bat later tested negative. Health officials emphasize that any potential rabies exposure should be treated promptly, as rabies is fatal and testing can take about 48 hours. Guidance is to trap the animal and contact local health authorities for next steps, with vaccination decisions based on the exposure details.