MCQ Infection Answer 21

The Correct Answer is A

Rabid bats have been found in every state in the United States except Hawaii. Transmission of the rabies virus from bats to humans can occur from minor, seemingly unimportant, or unrecognized bites. The possibility of rabies transmission must be considered for persons who were in the same room as a bat and might be unaware that a bite or direct contact had occurred.

If the bat is available, it should be tested and post exposure prophylaxis begun if the results are positive for rabies. If the bat is not available for testing, prophylaxis is appropriate even if a bite, scratch, or mucous membrane exposure is not apparent, as there is a possibility that such an exposure occurred. Some have died of rabies when they were sleeping and a dead bat was later found in their bedroom; the presumably had been infected unknowingly.

Ref: Human rabies prevention-United States, 1999: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 1999; 48(RR-l): 9. (ABFP, 2000, 10).

Category: Infectious Diseases MCQs