# Rabies exposure risk in Virginia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rabies-exposure-risk-in-virginia
> Updated: 2026-08-31T03:34:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 3.

Dr. Krista Edelman, a gastroenterologist in Richmond, Virginia, issued a public health warning after a personal encounter with a bat inside her home. Edelman reported waking up to find a bat attempting to enter her mouth, a sensation she initially mistook for a dream involving a small rodent. Upon feeling the animal’s coarse hair, she realized the danger and sought medical guidance from an infectious disease specialist at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Following medical protocols, Edelman and her husband captured the bat in a bucket to allow for rabies testing rather than killing the animal. While testing later confirmed the bat was negative for rabies, Edelman received preventative vaccinations as a precaution. 

Medical experts, including Dr. Adam Landsee, Dr. Julia Murphy, and other officials from the Virginia Department of Health, have used the incident to emphasize the high risks of rabies. They advise that any contact with a bat in a residence should be treated as a potential exposure, noting that bites or scratches can be difficult to detect and that the virus can cause fatal damage to the nervous system if not treated immediately. Experts urge individuals to assume the worst-case scenario and seek prompt medical guidance if a bat is discovered in a living space.

## Claims

- Krista Edelman reported that a bat attempted to enter her mouth while she was sleeping. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The incident occurred in Richmond, Virginia. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Edelman is a gastroenterologist. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Bat bites are a common way rabies is transmitted in the United States. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Medical professionals advise assuming the worst-case scenario, such as rabies exposure, if a bat is found in a sleeping area. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Virginia doctor shares experience of bat encounter during sleep

A Virginia doctor shared her experience of waking up to a bat attempting to enter her mouth, highlighting the importance of capturing bats for rabies testing and seeking immediate medical care.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-doctor-shares-experience-of-bat-encounter-during-sleep

### 2026-08-26: Virginia doctor shares warning after bat encounter

A Virginia doctor has issued a public health warning after waking up to find a bat attempting to enter her mouth, highlighting the urgent need for medical treatment following bat encounters due to rabies risks.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/richmond-doctors-bat-encounter-goes-viral

### 2026-08-25: Vancouver Island veterinarians warn of increased bat activity and rabies risk

Veterinarians on Vancouver Island warn of increased bat activity and rising rabies exposure risks, leading to higher demand for local rabies vaccines.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vancouver-island-veterinarians-warn-of-increased-bat-activity-and-rabies-risk

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Cite as: Rabies exposure risk in Virginia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rabies-exposure-risk-in-virginia