Doctor’s bat encounter triggers rabies PSA and safety tips

A Richmond gastroenterologist woke up to a bat burrowing between her lips, captured the animal for rabies testing, and began rabies treatment as a precaution since she hadn’t been vaccinated. The bat tested negative, but she urges people to check older homes for bat entry points and seek immediate medical advice if a bat touched someone, as bat bites can be tiny and rabies can be fatal if untreated. Share practical steps: avoid touching bats, capture them safely with gloves and a box, call the state health department for testing, and seal attic/chimney openings to keep bats out.