Shenaz Treasury says a bat fell on her: ‘Doc said I should take rabies shot’

Taking a cue from the incident, let’s understand more.

Can bats transmit infections?

Shenaz Treasurywala took a rabies vaccines (Source: Shenaz Treasurywala/Instagram Stories)

Bats can transmit various infections, like rabies, Nipah, and histoplasmosis, said Dr Kirti Sabnis, infectious disease specialist at Fortis Hospital Mulund & Kalyan. “Since bats and humans are both mammals, we have a good chance of getting infected by viruses or parasites like Histoplasma via contact with the animal’s back,” noted Dr Sabnis.

Rabies is endemic in India, so any animal bite should be considered a possibly rabid animal bite, and post-exposure prophylaxis needs to be initiated immediately following an exposure, stressed Dr Subhashree Samantaray, associate consultant, infectious diseases, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar. “While rabies is fatal, it can be prevented if one acts quickly,” said Dr Samantaray.

How to prevent the spread of infection?

Immediate preventative measures are needed to prevent infections. “Although the rate of transmission for rabies from bats to humans is less than 1 per cent, since there is no definite cure for it, prevention is key,” said Dr Sabnis.

According to Dr Sabnis, if you have been in a closed room with a bat, you must take precautions and get vaccinated against rabies. “If you have not been vaccinated against rabies in the past, you need four doses of rabies vaccine over two weeks (given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14). You should also be given another medication called rabies immunoglobulin on the day you receive the first rabies vaccine or soon afterward,” elaborated Dr Sabnis.

Dr Samantaray said that two doses (days 0 and 3) are sufficient in case of re-exposure after a complete course. ” Pre-exposure prophylaxis may be useful in high-risk groups, including veterinarians, lab staff, and animal handlers. ”

Here’s why she took the vaccine (Source: Shenaz Treasurywala/Instagram Stories)

Dr Sabnis said that if you experience symptoms like cough and difficulty breathing, there might be a “slim chance that you have contracted Histoplasmosis, which has a low transmission rate in India.”

What do you do if a bat falls on you?

Shenaz Treasurywala/Instagram Stories)

If a bat falls on you, Dr Sabnis advises that you should not “touch it with bare hands as touch can transmit rabies viruses.”

“If the bat is dead, remove the carcass outdoors while wearing gloves and mask to minimise the possibility of any transmission,” said Dr Sabnis.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.