What to do if I came in contact with a bat?
One of the most common diseases bats carry is rabies, which is threatening mainly because there is no cure to this viral infection. However, it doesn’t just come around without a warning. This can actually be prevented. Despite following these preventive measures, not everyone is in great luck to successfully avoid it. When it comes to this, there is a process to follow.
Coming in contact with a bat doesn’t sound like a pleasant experience, especially with cases of different diseases that have been transmitted from direct contact with bats. It can put you into a state of panic, but this doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.
Some people forget that there are steps to follow after coming in contact with a bat. Although it may seem like a long and tiring process, it’s actually just a few simple steps.
- Stay calm.
This is a given that people should already be aware of. As cheesy as it sounds, the first step is to stay composed. The thought of coming in contact with a bat can put you into a panic. It’s a natural response knowing that the bat may or may not be carrying an infectious disease. Regardless, don’t overthink the situation. All the time you spend panicking over what happens next, you can spend on planning out what to do and how to deal with the situation in the quickest way you can. - Clean the wound or area immediately.
Whether you simply held the bat or have been bitten, you should wash the area that came into contact with the bat. If there is a wound, it is all the more important to clean it immediately. Do this with soap and water. Make sure you are thoroughly washing and cleansing the area that came into contact with the bat, especially if the said area is wounded. - See a doctor as soon as possible.
Get in touch with a vet or a doctor as well. If you have someone around, you can have them do this after it has occurred. What’s important is to seek the attention of a medical professional before the virus starts to spread even further into your system. The doctor may test you and give you instructions to which you will need to follow accordingly depending on whether or not you have been infected.