Hi Doctor, Last Night, My Two Small Kids, My Wife

Posted on Tue, 15 Dec 2020

Question: Hi Doctor, Last night, my two small kids, my wife and I were sleeping in a hotel in Goa. Around midnight, I felt an itching in my feet. I took a torch and light it up. I saw that a bat is sitting on my feet. I quickly woke up and opened the door. I saw it going outside the door. Now, should all four of us take anti rabies vaccine? I read few WHO recommendations. It says that to be on the safer side, it is better to take anti rabies vaccine. Doctor, please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for the health query.I have read it&understand your concern.
Rabies vaccine is indicated in case of bat bite,lacerations or exposure of mucus membranes to bat spillage.
Bat is known to Harbor viruses of many types including Rabies &Covid 19...so in case of being in vicinity of bat..
it's better to take vaccination/be careful about these fatal viral infections Except..if the bat can be tested negative for having viral load.
*In this scenario..I would suggest-
-To get Rabies vaccination to the complete family in hotel room for Rabies....it's better to take the vaccine (not really known to cause permanent bad effect on human body)rather than suffering from the hazardous disease.' Prevention is better than cure.'!
-In these days of Corona pandemic...(Bat is suspected to carry the viruses through bat spillage)..
it's better to get a self Quarentine for 2 weeks minimum/Get tested for Covid. if the symptoms like fever,cold,cough,..like respiratory symptoms start.
*It's better to consult an expert physician working in Government concerns...for an expert advise &social prevention.
I hope that helps you.Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.

.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana