HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Are The Precautions To Be Taken After Bitten By A Bat?

Posted on Thu, 2 Jul 2015

Question: My husband hit a bat through a screen at night to get him to fly away. The bat was caught between the screen and the slightly opened window. He now has a tiny round mark on his hand, not a bite, with a tiny black spot in the center of this round mark, but it is still worrisome. There are not two tiny spots, which more certainly would indicate tooth marks. Should he see a doctor? And what type of doctor?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestions and specific answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I think it would be advisable to meet a physician.
They will be able to analyze it correctly.
Meanwhile get a tetanus shot.
And rabies vaccination may be needed.
If possible start a course f metronidazole till you can meet the doctor.
Bets of luck
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (21 minutes later)

What type of doctor should my husband see to determine if his mark is a bat bite?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
meet a physician first. If available, a toxicologist may be helpful

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I have already said you should meet a physician first.
If available, a toxicologist may be helpful.
But definitely a physician.
I hope that helps.
Dr Mittal

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar