the Ministry of Health was reminded of the procedure

Usually, bats do not attack people, but they can bite if they sense danger

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In Ukraine, the season of migration of bats continues, which, in search of places for wintering, sometimes fall into human homes. In the Sumy Oblast, two people were injured as a result of an encounter with wild animals – they were found to have been bitten by bats.

One victim came across a bat when it climbed into shoes that were drying on the balcony. told in the Ministry of Health.

A flock of bats also flew onto the balcony to the other man.

“The guy tried to chase them away, but one bat bit him on the arm”said the Ministry of Health.

The ministry notes that both victims sought medical help in time and received a course of treatment and vaccinations against rabies.

“Usually, these animals do not attack people if they are not scared or provoked – the bite is a self-defense reaction against danger”– the Ministry of Health explained.

What are the symptoms of rabies in humans and when do they appear?

The incubation period of the disease in humans continues from 7 days to 3 monthssay the Ministry of Health. At the same time, in some cases, this period may last more than a year. This is influenced by:

• localization of bites;
• number of wounds;
• depth of damage to body parts;
• the type of animal that carried the infection;
• viral load is a quantitative indicator of the virus in the body.

“It is possible to become infected from an animal with rabies through a bite, scratch and microdamage of the skin, as well as through contact with saliva infected with the pathogen on the mucous membranes or damaged skin of a person”– the Ministry of Health explains.

The ministry says that the first symptoms of rabies can be unpleasant sensations at the site of the bitesuch as burning, itching, tingling, or reddening of the skin.

Also, in the case of infection, a person can feel pain along the nerveswhich ensure the connection of the damaged area with the central nervous system.

In addition, the first symptoms can resemble the flu – a person’s body temperature rises, nausea, fatigue, and headache occur.

Later, neurological signs of rabies appear:

• aggressiveness and irritability;
• perplexity;
• hallucinations;
• convulsions;
• chaotic movements and increased excitement;
• extreme sensitivity to bright light, touch;
• excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing;
• fear of water

How to behave if a bat flew into the house?

The department emphasizes that when wild animals are found in the house, it is important to behave calmly so as not to provoke aggressive behavior.

They recommend moving to another room and calling 112 or seeking help from the animal rescue service.

Previously, employees of the Animal Rescue Team of the city of Kyiv toldthat all bats living on the territory of Ukraine are listed in the Red Book.

During the period autumn migration – from the end of August to October – animals return from forests to cities and sometimes fall into life-threatening traps near human homes.

Therefore, you should not try to harm a frightened animal that accidentally flew into the room.

What to do in case of a bat bite?

If the bat still managed to bite, it is necessary get to a health care facility immediatelywhere specialists will provide the necessary medical assistance and conduct a course of anti-rabies vaccinations.

If it is not possible to see a doctor in the near future, you can first wash the wound with soapy water, detergents, disinfectants for treating wounds or 70% ethyl alcohol or 5% iodine solution.

However, these methods will not help to avoid infection, therefore you should get to a medical facility as soon as possible.

According to the Ministry of Health, a course of vaccination against rabies helps to avoid the disease in 96-99% of cases.

In total, five vaccinations are given – on day zero (the day of the visit to the doctor), later – on the third, seventh, 14th and 28th days.

The agency emphasizes that the rabies vaccine has no contraindications, so you can get reliable protection against the dangerous disease.

“In some cases (deep or wide bites, contact with potential carriers) in addition to the vaccine, anti-rabies immunoglobulin is administered, which provides immediate protection – even before the vaccine takes effect.”the ministry adds.

We used to toldhow many species of bats there are in Ukraine and why people almost never meet some of them.