Richmond Doctor Wakes to Bat in Mouth, Urges Rabies Safety
A Richmond gastroenterologist woke to a bat in her mouth; her husband captured the animal for rabies testing, and because exposure near mucous membranes can be dangerous, she started a rabies vaccine series though there were no bites. After the bat tested negative, treatment was halted. Health officials urge safe handling of bats, advise contacting animal control or health departments for guidance when exposure occurs, and note that Virginia sees more bat encounters in summer, with experts stressing that rabies risk exists even without obvious wounds.
