'There's a bat in my mouth’: Virginia doctor's bat nightmare goes viral
WRAL • • health
Key Points:
- Dr. Krista Edelman, a Richmond gastroenterologist, woke up to find a bat trying to enter her mouth in her nearly 100-year-old home, prompting her to share a viral warning on Instagram about bat encounters.
- Edelman learned from an infectious disease doctor that immediate medical treatment is crucial after potential bat exposure due to the high risk of rabies transmission near the brain.
- Medical experts emphasize that anyone finding a bat in their home, especially in a bedroom, should assume possible exposure and seek prompt evaluation because bat bites are often undetectable.
- Virginia health officials report an increase in bat submissions for rabies testing this year and advise trapping the bat safely and contacting local health authorities for rapid testing and guidance.
- Edelman’s bat tested negative for rabies, and she shared her experience to educate others on the importance of quick action and proper response to bat encounters.
