Virginia doctor shares experience of bat encounter during sleep

Krista Edelman, a gastroenterologist in Richmond, Virginia, shared a harrowing experience after waking up to find a bat attempting to enter her mouth while she slept. Edelman reported that she initially dreamt of a small rodent before realizing the sensation was a bat.

Following medical protocols, Edelman and her husband captured the bat using a bucket to ensure it could be tested for rabies rather than killing it. She sought medical consultation, noting the high stakes of rabies exposure, particularly when the contact point is near the brain.

Testing confirmed the bat was negative for rabies, though Edelman received preventative vaccinations as a precaution. Health experts, including Dr. Adam Lancy and Dr. Julia Murphy from the Virginia Department of Health, advise that anyone discovering a bat in their home should assume the worst-case scenario and seek immediate medical guidance, as rabies is nearly always fatal if not treated promptly.