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Exposure to Bat
Hi DR,
On Monday night 10:00 pm, while driving my bike, a Bat hit me near to my right side eye over cheeks. I immediately came to my home and washed my face for 15 to 20 mins.. And went to hospital in 4 hours and got a Rabies vaccination along with TT injection. I asked for RIG, but my doctor told me it is not required for this case as there is no blood .
I am scared now whether I need to take RIG or am I safe just to take rabies vaccine and TT injection. My doctor prescribed to have rabies vaccine on Day 0, 3 and 6..
Kindly advise me.
Answers (16)
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RIG is only given if there is a break in the skin like a scratch or a bite. Since you have no blood or visible marks, the vaccine alone is usually enough Washing for 20 minutes is the single most important step you took to kill any virus on the surface.
Next Steps
standard 3rd dose is usually on Day 7, not Day 6. Double check this with your clinic
Health Tips
you are likely very safe because you started the vaccine within 4 hours. Just make sure you don't miss the remaining doses
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While your doctor has started the vaccine series, the current international guidelines (WHO) are very conservative regarding bats because their bites can be invisible to the naked eye.
Regarding RIG: Because the contact was on your face, so close to your brain, many specialists would recommend Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) even if no blood was seen. RIG acts as a 'security guard' that neutralizes the virus at the site of entry while your body waits for the vaccine to start working (which takes about 7–10 days).
What I recommend:
Seek a Second Opinion: Visit a major government infectious disease center or an Anti-Rabies Clinic (ARC) and mention that the contact was a bat on the face.
Timing: RIG is most effective when given as soon as possible, but it can technically be administered up until Day 7 of the vaccine series.
Complete the Series: Regardless of the RIG decision, you must complete the full vaccine course on Day 0, 3, 7, (and usually 14 and 28 depending on the protocol).
You did the right thing by washing for 20 minutes; that significantly reduces viral load. However, given the location and the animal involved, being extra cautious with RIG is the safest clinical path.
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You have taken the correct first steps, and your risk appears low based on your description.
No visible wound or bleeding reported
Immediate washing done
Vaccine started within 4 hours
So your doctor’s advice can be reasonable if there is truly no skin breach.
Next Steps
Continue the full rabies vaccine schedule without fail
Re-examine the area carefully
If uncertainty persists, consider a second opinion regarding RIG (it can be given within 7 days of first vaccine dose)
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