Bat contact and rabies risks

Series : Immunisation

Published : February 2020
Page Length : 6
Format : Booklet DL
Supplier : N/A
Publisher : Public Health England

This leaflet contains information on bat rabies, the risk of catching rabies after being bitten by a bat, and how to treat a bat bite after exposure. Rabies,although rarely contracted from bats, can be fatal in humans once symptoms appear. However, prompt treatment with rabies vaccine after an exposure is effective at preventing the disease. All bat bites, scratches or other exposures, whether in the UK or abroad, should be assessed promptly by a health professional so they can arrange post-exposure.