Knowledge Base

What constitutes an exposure?

• There was a bite from an animal to a human.
• There was saliva/neural tissue contact from an animal to a human’s open cut or mucous membrane.
• A bat is found in the same room with a sleeping person, an unattended child, an intoxicated person, or anyone unable to confirm that they were NOT bitten.

What is not an exposure?

• Other contact, such as contact with blood, urine, skunk spray, or feces, does not constitute an exposure and is not an indication for prophylaxis.

For more information, read the Iowa Department of Public Health https://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/18220/Bats-and-Rabies-Chart. Additional information is also available on the City website.