Richmond, Va. – Dr. Krista Edelman, a gastroenterologist who lives on Grove Avenue, woke up last week to discover a bat trying to enter her mouth in her nearly 100‑year‑old home. She posted a video of the incident on Instagram, where it has been viewed more than 33,000 times.
In the clip, Dr. Edelman describes dreaming of a field mouse before realizing the creature was a bat. “There’s a bat in my mouth,” she shouted, describing the panic of the moment.
After the encounter, Dr. Edelman quickly researched the proper response. She learned that the bat should be captured, not killed, so it can be tested for rabies. She called a friend who is an infectious‑disease physician for guidance on whether she needed immediate post‑exposure vaccination.
The friend warned that the closer a bat’s bite is to the brain, the faster the risk of rabies transmission can increase. Following that advice, Dr. Edelman went to the emergency department at St. Mary’s Hospital, where she works, and was evaluated by Dr. Adam Landsee, the assistant medical director for the ER.
Dr. Landsee emphasized that anyone who discovers a bat in their home should assume the worst and seek professional help. “Bat teeth are very small, so you often can’t tell if you’ve been bitten,” he said. “Because rabies is essentially fatal, treatment is essential when there’s any doubt.”
Virginia’s public‑health veterinarian, Dr. Julia Murphy of the Virginia Department of Health, noted that submissions of bats for rabies testing have risen this year, though the number of positive results has not increased. She recommends trapping the bat, if possible, and contacting the local health department or animal‑control services promptly. Testing results typically return within about 48 hours; a negative result means a vaccine is not required.
Dr. Edelman later learned that the bat she captured tested negative for rabies. She shared her story to help others who might face a similar situation, saying she was humbled by how little she initially knew about proper bat handling despite growing up in rural Hanover.
Key takeaways for Richmond residents
- If a bat is found in a bedroom or other indoor space, assume possible exposure and seek medical advice immediately.
- Capture the bat, if safe to do so, for rabies testing; do not kill it outright.
- Contact the local health department or animal‑control agency right away for guidance.
- Rabies testing results are usually available within two days; a negative result eliminates the need for vaccination.
By sharing her experience, Dr. Edelman hopes to raise awareness about the seriousness of bat encounters and the importance of swift, informed action to protect families and communities.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
