If you are bitten by a bat – or if infectious material (such as saliva) from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound – wash the affected area thoroughly with soap & water and get medical advice immediately. There may be a need to update your tetanus immunization and / or obtain antibiotics, your doctor will know. Whenever possible, the bat should be captured, refrigerated, and brought to Coos County Public Health for rabies testing.
People usually know when they have been bitten by a bat. However, because bats have small teeth which may leave marks that are not easily seen, there are situations in which you should seek medical advice even in the absence of an obvious bite. For example; if you awaken and find a bat in your room or in the room of an unattended child, seek medical advice and have the bat tested.
People cannot get rabies just from seeing a bat in an attic. In addition, people cannot get rabies from having contact with bat guano (feces), blood, or urine, or from touching a bat on its fur (even though bats should never be handled!).
To report an animal bite, you can print the form below fill it out and fax to 541-888-8726, or bring to Coos Health and Wellness, 281 LaClair St. Coos Bay, OR 97420. If you have any questions, please call 541-266-6720.