Erica Kahn, a Massachusetts woman, is now facing a $20,000 bill for rabies treatment after a bat flew into her mouth during an Arizona photography trip with her father. The incident, which occurred while she was taking photos of the night sky, left her with a medical bill she cannot afford despite her new health insurance policy.
Kahn, who had previously lost her job, decided to take out a new health plan with an insurance firm. However, she discovered that the policy had a 30-day waiting period for coverage to kick in, leaving her with an unexpected medical bill. Her experience highlights the financial and medical consequences of such a rare but potentially deadly incident.
During the photography session in Northern Arizona, a bat flew directly into her mouth. She is unsure what part of the bat entered her mouth, but the encounter left her in need of immediate medical attention. Kahn was aware of the need for rabies treatment and sought medical care, only to be shocked when her treatment was not covered by the insurance policy.
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) notes that bats are the leading cause of human rabies deaths, with seven out of 10 deaths attributed to bat bites or scratches. This incident has sparked discussions about the importance of rabies vaccines and the adequacy of health insurance coverage in such situations.
Fox News Digital reached out to the insurance firm for comment, but no response was received. Kahn expressed frustration with the healthcare system, stating, ‘Our healthcare system is so broken and that’s why I’m kind of happy to take these interviews.’ She added, ‘I want to shine a light that this should not be the cost of getting a life-saving rabies vaccine.’
The incident also drew attention to the presence of various bat species in Arizona. The Arizona Game & Fish Department (AGF) states that the state is home to 28 species of bats that gather near lights, agricultural areas, ponds, and other water sources. These bats are commonly found in such environments, making them a potential hazard for outdoor activities like night sky photography.
The article also mentions a separate incident involving a radioactive wasp nest discovered by workers at a former nuclear bomb site. This highlights the diverse and sometimes dangerous wildlife found in Arizona, further emphasizing the need for caution in outdoor activities.