For instance, a bat that flies into your room while you’re sleeping may bite you without waking you. If you awake to find a bat in your room, assume you’ve been bitten. Also, if you find a bat near a person who can’t report a bite, such as a small child or a person with a disability, assume that person has been bitten.

Bats do not attack humans; on the contrary they do everything they can to avoid conflict. In addition, a rabid bat is a rare occurrence. If you see a bat on the ground it is most likely sick-do not pick it up. The main danger a bat poses is in the diseases its guano or droppings carry.

Children should be vaccinated after any direct contact with a bat. There is no change to the recommendation that people known to have been bitten or scratched by a bat or another potentially rabid animal get rabies shots.

Due to literary comparisons between bats and vampires, some people expect a bat bite to resemble fang marks. In truth, bat teeth are so sharp and so tiny, they might not leave any mark at all. If they do, it will more closely resemble a pin prick. It is uncommon for a full set of puncture marks to accompany a bite.

If bitten by any animal, take it seriously. Bats have small teeth and bite marks may not be apparent as bite marks can disappear quickly — within 30 minutes. All bat bites, regardless of size or sensitivity must be taken seriously.

The first symptoms of rabies may be very similar to those of the flu including general weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. These symptoms may last for days.

The first symptoms of rabies can appear from a few days to more than a year after the bite happens. At first, there’s a tingling, prickling, or itching feeling around the bite area. A person also might have flu-like symptoms such as a fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and tiredness.