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Possible rabies exposure

Also called: Rabies exposure, animal bite, bat in the room

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms start but is fully preventable with shots after an exposure. Bites from bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and some dogs and cats need prompt care.

ActWash wound 15 minutes, call a doctor today
BatsAny bat in the room while sleeping counts

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Animal bite or bat exposure
  • Contact with a bat, raccoon, skunk, fox, or an animal acting strangely
  • Animal or dog bite

Look up a symptom: Animal or dog bite · Contact with a bat, raccoon, skunk, fox, or an animal acting strangely

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayAny bite from a wild animal or a bat exposure.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.

Causes

Rabies virus.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It usually doesn't spread from person to person.
  • People get it from: animal bites.

Diagnosis

A clinician assesses risk.

Treatment

Wash and get care.

Self-care

  • Wash with soap and water 15 minutes
  • Note the animal and where it is

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Rabies vaccine and immune globulin
Prevention

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent:

  • Vaccinate pets

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an infectious disease specialist, for hard-to-treat infections.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Shots prevent rabies.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What's causing my symptoms?
  • What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Possible rabies exposure

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.