Bat in a Quebec Home: Quickly Assess Possible Rabies Exposure
Prevent further contact, preserve testing options and obtain prompt assessment after possible exposure.
Immediately wash a wound with soap and water, then call Info-Santé 811. Call 911 for a severe emergency.
Separate without touching
Close interior doors, move people and pets away and never touch the bat with bare hands. Do not strike or handle it.
Do not assume there was no bite
A mark can be difficult to see. Tell 811 if the bat was in a room with a sleeping person, young child or anyone unable to reliably describe contact.
Preserve the animal when possible
Do not release or discard it before professional instructions when exposure may have occurred; testing might be needed. Never place yourself at risk to capture it.
Pets
If a dog or cat contacted the bat, avoid fresh saliva, wear gloves and promptly call a veterinarian with the animal’s vaccination status.