Infectious diseases

What to Do if You're Bitten by a Bat

Janhvi Johorey
By Janhvi Johorey, Psychologist specialized in animal therapy. Updated: August 6, 2018
What to Do if You're Bitten by a Bat

Black and brown bats are dangerous to humans and pets, because everything from their droppings to their bite is infectious and can lead to diseases. Although it is rare to be attacked by a bat, when it happens you'll notice their very small but razor-sharp teeth. After being bitten by a bat, there is a risk that it was infected with rabies.

If you're not sure whether you've been bitten by a bat, you'll be able to tell for the very small mark, which doesn't look like a bite by any other animal. A bat's teeth prick the skin and puncture it because they are extremely sharp.

In order to help you prevent related risks, in this AnimalWised article we'll teach you what to do if you're bitten by a bat.

You may also be interested in: How Long Will a Cat Live with Rabies?
Contents
  1. When do bats attack?
  2. Do bat bites cause rabies?
  3. How to prevent bat bites
  4. What to do if you're bitten by a bat
  5. Rabies: Prevention and treatment

When do bats attack?

Bats generally bite humans or pets only if they are feeling sick, trapped, threatened or are injured in some way. Bat bites are rare because generally the bat will attempt to evade contact with humans and animals and fly away.

A confrontation with a bat is only possible if its habitat has been invaded. As humans are encroaching on its natural living space, bats often form colonies in man-made structures where they can come into contact with humans and bite. Bat bites often result from attempting to rescue bats that have fallen to the ground.

Do bat bites cause rabies?

If you've been bitten by a bat, you'll probably be worrying about rabies. Bat bites need to be treated medically, as some of these animals are carriers of rabies viruses - Lyssavirus - which can affect humans as well as other species, especially mammals. Rabies viruses can be transmitted from bats to humans and pets through their bite.

As the rabies virus is passed on via saliva, you will have to have this infected material pass into your body to contract the disease. This could only be done by getting into an open wound or passing through your mucus membrane. This would be difficult to happen naturally. The other way would to be infected would be to have contact with the brain matter of an infected bat. This too would be unlikely. You cannot get infected by touching blood, feces or urine of the cat or by simply touching their body.

If you're bitten by a bat, even if it doesn't look very serious, you must have the injury immediately be tended to, and the attacking bat should be tested for rabies.

What to Do if You're Bitten by a Bat - Do bat bites cause rabies?

How to prevent bat bites

It's best if you avoid being bitten by a bat at all. If you have to rescue a bat, make sure to wear thick protective gloves and clothing and have professionals at hand to deal with the complications. Solitary bats living in caves are more dangerous than common or house bats.

Of course, remember to keep your vaccines up to date, both yours and your pets'. Here you can check the vaccination schedule for dogs and the vaccination schedule for rabbits.

What to do if you're bitten by a bat

How to know if you'be been bitten by a bat:

Bat bites do not appear like fang marks. They are sharp-toothed animals, and their bat can puncture and damage exposed skin. You'll know you've been bitten by a bat because it will feel like the prick of a pin or a needle - it is rare to be bitten by a bat with its full set of teeth. The marks might disappear fast.

Larger bats cause more damage. Vampire bats even attack livestock and, making a small incision, suck blood from the wound. Either which way, a doctor must diagnose the implications of the bite with complete certainty.

How to react if you're bitten by a bat:

If you're bitten by a bat, wash the affected part of the skin with water and soap. Make sure to apply pressure to stem the flow of blood if the skin has been torn, researchers from the University of Iowa advise.

Seek medical attention immediately. A rabid bat can be extremely dangerous unless post-exposure prophylaxis is administered by the doctor to the victim who has suffered a bat bite. It is recommended to go to the hospital for treatment, especially if you are not sure whether the bat has rabies or not.

What to do with the attacking bat:

The attacking bat should be trapped and sent to the lab for rabies testing. Even touching the bat's coat can transmit rabies, so handle the animal with care. Contact a vet or the health department immediately for help.

Whether a bat is easily provoked or docile, it could have rabies. If a bat entered your room while you were sleeping and you aren't sure whether you were bitten or not, it should be tested anyways. In the case of bat bites, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Rabies: Prevention and treatment

People who have received a vaccine for rabies will need two rabies vaccine injections more if bitten by a bat. The injections have to be made in the muscles surrounding the wound.

On the other hand, if you aren't vaccinated against rabies you will have the interior part of the injury treated with human rabies immunoglobulin antibodies. Then, five vaccine shots must be then put into the muscle around the wound.

If you're bitten by a bat, unless it tests negative, the treatment for rabies must be started immediately. If bats or bat colonies have been sighted close to where one lives, domestic animals and pets need to be vaccinated as well.

This is what to do if you're bitten by a bat. Has this ever happened to you? Tell us about your experience in the comments section!

What to Do if You're Bitten by a Bat -

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to What to Do if You're Bitten by a Bat, we recommend you visit our Infectious diseases category.

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Todd
I was surprised it said to stem the blood flow after a bite. Why would anyone do that? Anytime I see people do that I think, yeah, hold that bacteria in there so it can take hold. If I'm bitten, cut or whatever, I force it to bleed to hopefully flush out anything in there and from entering the bloodstream. Like if a finger I'll milk it forcefully, forcing blood out of the cut, and/or sucking on it, which will hopefully pull whatever might be in the venules/veins back out. Worth a try... So obviously I do this instantly to be worthwhile. If I'm especially concerned, like rust or an animal bite, I will also do the same under hot running water to prevent clotting and just do a better job getting whatever out. Then a good cleaning, alcohol, H2O2, neosporin and I call it good. Seems to work but I don't believe I've been bit by anything with rabies. I was bitten by a small bat once, as a teen, and yes they have scalpel sharp teeth! Being out in the sticks I milked and sucked the cut on my finger. Finger because of course I had it in my hand. Also bit by a fox, of course because I grabbed it. I never went to a Dr for either. I did mentioned I was a teen, aka not so smart about such things, but it appears I survived. Who knows, maybe my bite treatment method is why? Probably luck though...
Manas Behura
Some bats have nest inside my room Aircondition,from how long I dont know when my ac didn't work I called for service then i knew they have nest over there ,now we have cleared there nest but the problem is one bat was dead inside my room from many days that I dont know,i having a fear if it could have bitten me while I'm asleep I'm not sure. What should I do please help?
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Manas,

If you still have the bat, you should take it to your local wildlife service and see if they can have it tested for rabies. If not, then they should know who can. If you don't have any marks, then it is likely you haven't been bitten, but they will also be able to advise you on how to get treatment just in case. If there is any chance you have rabies, you should get checked out.
C L MORRIS
i was sitting on a chair at lake powell and was bitten by a bat on my forearm, it was dusk and i thought i was bitten by a scorpion, so i swatted it off, 3 whacks and it went tothe ground then i =t flew up on the table then whe shined a flashlight, thats when we knew it was a bat, what should i do, its been 5 days
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi,

As you can read from the article, you should always see a doctor if you are bitten by a bat. The possibility of rabies means anyone bitten by a bat needs to be vaccinated ASAP before the onset of symptoms. If you are able to safely trap the bat and take them in for observation, this also would be helpful in confirming whether or not they are rabid.

The amount of bats in the USA which are rabid is relatively small, but if they have come down to bite you unprovoked, then it implies there is a risk. Rabid animals will attack unprovoked if they are in the excitative stage.

For anyone in the community who is reading this message, it is important to know that we are not an emergency service and should not be treated like one. We are for information purposes only.
Rating:
Stu
Hi, I was trying to get my camera down my chimney to film some bats who have nested there to breed, as I was going about it, a bat flew very close to me, possibly within inches, I have no experience with bats and I do not know how infectious they are, I have washedy hands and all equipment used. My question is, could the bat have bit me mid flight? I don't particularly remember a sting or sharp prick, but it happened really fast, I didn't even get a real look at the bat, should I get myself checked out? Thank you.
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Stu,

We understand your concern. Bats are fascinating creatures, but the generalized fear many people have of them seems to be disproportionate to the harm they do to humans. In the USA, the amount of bats with rabies is a fraction of 1% of the total population. You can't get rabies from bat feces or urine, it is their saliva which carries the disease. You would have to be bitten or have their saliva enter through a wound or into a mucous membrane (the latter of which is very rare).

The problem is with being unsure. Rabies is an incurable disease once you get symptoms. It is fatal and in one of the most horrible ways imaginable. You would likely have known if you have been bitten, but smaller bats may possibly bite without you noticing. The probability of this happening in the way you described is very small. However, if you are at all unsure whether or not you have been bitten, you should go to a doctor and explain the situation. In these circumstances, if there is any doubt, it is better to be safe than sorry.

We appreciate it may be a hassle and medical fees are an issue, but the risk is yours and it is up to you whether you want to take it or not. We wish you all the best.
John Chamberlin
Got bitten by a bat last Saturday. Trimming wisteria vines on the second floor deck railing and accidentally grabbed a bat hanging in the vines. Awaiting test results on the bat ... who knows how long that will take ... and have received HRIG (eleven shots) and rabies vaccine.
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What to Do if You're Bitten by a Bat