Laura was hiking near a pool when she noticed a bat and removed it from the water. While holding the animal, she saw two small bite marks on her hand. The marks were so tiny that she had not felt the bite at the time, prompting her to investigate further.
Using an image recognition app, she identified the bat as a species known to carry rabies. The app’s automated advice urged her to seek immediate medical attention because of the risk of infection.
She contacted her insurer the next day, who directed her to a local hospital. Initial staff misinterpreted her situation and offered only antibiotics, but a specialist in infectious diseases eventually confirmed the need for rabies prophylaxis.
Over the course of her holiday, Laura received three doses of the rabies vaccine, completing the series on June 1. The treatment was administered by a local travel clinic and a dedicated specialist department.
Laura says the experience has raised her awareness of the dangers posed by wild bats. She hopes her story will encourage others to seek prompt care after a potential exposure.
Rabies is a deadly infection that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals.
