Rabies Exposure

Last updated: 3/26/2026

Rabies Exposure Management for Bat-related Incidents

IDPH Rabies Exposure FAQ’s

"I know that I was bitten*, and the animal was not captured for testing."

• HRIG & HRV administration recommended – please seek care at your local emergency department!

"I know that I was bitten*, and the animal was captured."

• The animal may be tested for rabies, with shots able to be delayed up to 3 days pending results. If the animal has been captured, contact the State Hygienic Laboratory in Iowa City, IA at (319) 335-4335 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The facility has strict requirements as to how to obtain testing for an animal.

"I don’t know if I was bitten for certain."

• IF the animal was in the same room, but you were not awake/alert the entire time, and the animal was not captured for testing, HRIG & HRV administration recommended – please seek care at your local emergency department!
• IF the animal was in the same room, but you were not awake/alert the entire time, but the animal was able to be captured for testing, the animal may be tested for rabies with shots able to be delayed up to 3 days pending results. If the animal has been captured, contact the State Hygienic Laboratory in Iowa City, IA at (319) 335-4335 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The facility has strict requirements as to how to obtain testing for an animal.
• IF the animal was not in the same room, no further action required.

"The individual in question is a young child."

• Even if the young child was awake and alert the entire time the animal was in the room, BUT the animal was not captured for testing, HRIG & HRV administration recommended – please seek care at your local emergency department!
• IF the young child was awake and alert the entire time the animal was in the room, AND the animal was able to be captured for testing, the animal may be tested for rabies with shots able to be delayed up to 3 days pending results. If the animal has been captured, contact the State Hygienic Laboratory in Iowa City, IA at (319) 335-4335 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The facility has strict requirements as to how to obtain testing for an animal.

*It is recommended that any and all wounds are washed with soap and water, and if possible, a povidone iodine solution. Evaluate tetanus vaccination status as well, and update as needed. 

***If you can say with 100% certainty you were NOT bitten, no further action is required. However, it is still recommended you follow up with Benton County Environmental Health @ (319) 472-3119 to review the incident.

Rabies Testing at SHL

The State Hygienic Laboratory adheres to CLIA guidelines to perform rabies testing of animal brain tissue from possible or confirmed human exposure. Testing is performed Monday through Friday. All positive results are immediately phoned to the physician or veterinarian so that post exposure treatment can be administered. 

Human specimen testing is referred to the CDC. See specimen collection requirements.

Collection Instructions

Rabies Collection Instructions

Rabies Test Request Form

Rabies Test Cost Algorithm

Additional Information

Rabies Information for Public Providers and Veterinarians

Frequently Asked Questions about Bats and Rabies

Frequently Asked Questions about Bats and Rabies (Spanish)

Bat Exposure: Rabies Exposure Management for Bat Related Incidents

Other Animal Exposure: Recommendations for Managing Human Rabies Exposure