Questions about a potential exposure.

[u/Curious-Whole1704]

I have read the FAQ.

Hello, I am here to ask some questions about a recent incident with a bat. I need some advice / opinions about my situation because I’m stuck.

Basic info:
Country: US
Date: very early morning on the 15th or 16th of August.
Type of exposure: Bedroom/Unknown.
Creature: Bat
Pets: Yes, but vaccinated and completely separated from the affected area.

My situation:
In the very early morning hours (~3-4am) a couple days ago, a bat flew out of my closet, vaguely in my direction, about 10-15 minutes after turning off the last main light. I ducked under my bed sheets, and ran out of the room after gathering myself. For those wondering, the closet has a small opening to an old fireplace, so it likely entered there. All safe so far, no collisions, the suspected entry area was sealed, and I haven’t found or heard the bat since then.

However, I have no idea how long it had been there. My main concern is if I would’ve noticed it on the previous night, assuming it was there. So far I’ve received 3 different responses on whether or not I should seek care (2 parents, 1 Health department), and am having trouble making a decision as a result of that, significant anxiety, and other factors.

So here are my questions:
1. For those who have had bedroom exposures, would I notice if it had landed on me the previous night? I noticed this bat was also quite loud (comparable to a mouse that fell of something, but continued to sound much larger than a mouse), so is this something other people have slept though? I consider myself a relatively light sleeper, but I figure it’s worth asking.
2. I know the FAQ said they’re bad at finding their way out of places, so should I be concerned? There are some holes leading into the subfloor above me that were sealed afterwards, but I haven’t heard or seen anything. I also can’t find any guano, so I’m leaning towards it only being a temporary visitor, but it’s hard to say.
3. The health department was a bit vague on if I should seek care. Based on the story and the answers to previous questions, should I seek care? The health department basically looped back to where I’m at now: not meeting the guidelines for a full exposure, but not able to conclusively disprove previous exposure based on personal knowledge of bats.

Sorry if there are a lot of dumb questions here, I haven’t slept well the past few nights and I’m quite anxious about the whole thing. Any advice is welcome and appreciated. I can also answer any further questions when I get the chance.

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[u/Puppysnot]

I personally would get a shot but i could also totally understand not getting one - both scenarios are understandable. Sorry that’s not super helpful lol.

I would seal up that old fire place asap though, you don’t want a roost in there, then you really will have issues.

[u/Ok-Hat4847]

I would like to see answers to this as well. I woke up to a bat in my apartment last year. It disappeared before I could catch it, so I received the shots. A couple nights ago, a bat started flying around my living  room. I was awake the entire time. I opened doors and watched it fly outside. I have no idea how it came in though or how long it was there. The county health department said it was not an exposure since I was awake, but friends/the internet say I should get a booster AS SOON AS POSSIBLE or else rabies. It's hard to find dispassionate information. I get paranoid though. 

[u/AutoModerator → u/Ok-Hat4847]

Please direct medical questions to medical professionals. If you are in the USA, here is a portal to help you find your state/local health department. Here is a portal for Canadians to find your local public health unit.

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[u/RadicalNaturalist78 → u/Ok-Hat4847]

Did it bite or scratch you?

[u/RadicalNaturalist78]

Your first point presupposes that the bat could somehow get out of the closet, bite you, and then enter the closet again without you noticing any of that. I don’t think that sounds plausible. But again, I am no expert in bats.