With warmer weather approaching, the possibility of bat encounters may increase. Because bat bites may be less severe, heal rapidly, and therefore be more difficult to find or recognize than bites inflicted by larger mammals, rabies post-exposure treatment should be considered for any physical contact with bats when bites, scratches, or mucous membrane contact with saliva cannot be excluded. Rabies post-exposure treatment is also appropriate even in the absence of a demonstrable bite or scratch, in situations in which there is reasonable probability that such contact occurred (e.g., a sleeping person awakes to find a bat in the room, an adult finds a bat in the room with a previously unattended child, or a bat is detected in the presence of an unattended child or a mentally disabled or intoxicated person). If you are bitten or scratched or the possibility of contact with a bat cannot be excluded, try to confine or kill the bat without damage to its head, to prevent additional exposures. Immediately, cleanse the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and seek prompt medical attention from a physician or hospital emergency room. Report the bite or exposure to the Health Office as soon as possible. Using heavy protective gloves, tongs, or a shovel, place the bat in a coffee can or other securely covered container and arrange with the Health Office for immediate delivery and testing at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Rabies Laboratory. If your dog or cat is exposed to a bat, follow similar procedures in capturing the bat and contacting the Health Office to report the incident and arrange for testing of the bat.
Christina Whitaker
Licensing and Records Official