Is Anti-rabies Injection Required After An Accidental Contact With A Bat?

Posted on Fri, 23 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 Answered on

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi we are in Lombok Indonesia - there was a bat in our room which was removed by staff - our son later felt something on his leg outside the room - should we be concerned that he has been bitten by a rabid bat ? He has had first 3 rabies injections 3 years ago - should we get two more boosters and if so - how long do we have to get these - he was bitten 15 hours ago - we are in Selong Belanak

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Urgent vaccination needed.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Bats, among other mammals, are vulnerable to getting rabies and there is no way to find out whether the bat was a rabid one. So, you need to go for a post-exposure prophylaxis. Even though he had taken vaccination 3 years back, he needs to take it afresh. The doses would be on day 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28. The regimen may vary slightly with the specifications of the vaccine.

It is already 15 hours. Do not delay it any further.

Regards

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng