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Do Abrasions On Fingers Have A Risk Of Contracting Rabies?
Question: I have a few questions regarding rabies. I have never been bitten or come into contact with the virus to my knowledge. I pick the sides of my nails (bad habit) but would semi open skin put me at risk for contracting the virus? My dogs are all 3 vaccinated and they will lick my hands sometimes. Am k just paranoid?
Brief Answer:
unjustified concerns
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
contracting the disease requires contact with a diseased animal... If your dogs are OK then there is no concern. Besides that contact with either a mucosal surface or an open wound is also required. Having a wound (if that's what you're talking about) makes transmission possible. A dog with the disease will probably be aggressive although there is a quiet type of this disease but its behavior would be different than usual.
I don't believe you should be worried about rabies unless you've got diseased animals in the area you live (bats, foxes, etc).
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
unjustified concerns
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
contracting the disease requires contact with a diseased animal... If your dogs are OK then there is no concern. Besides that contact with either a mucosal surface or an open wound is also required. Having a wound (if that's what you're talking about) makes transmission possible. A dog with the disease will probably be aggressive although there is a quiet type of this disease but its behavior would be different than usual.
I don't believe you should be worried about rabies unless you've got diseased animals in the area you live (bats, foxes, etc).
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
No they're not acting unusual, all normal. I have had no contact with bats or raccoons of any sorts. If my dog stepped in their saliva or something outside and touched my hand could that cause transmission?
Brief Answer:
that would have been very unlikely
Detailed Answer:
Rabies is transmitted from live animals. The virus is neutralized soon after leaving the host's body. How soon is not very clear but having live viruses in animal's saliva (which means that the animal left the saliva earlier, so some time has already passed) and then after some time causing transmission by touching your dog's feet, sounds really unlikely. I wouldn't consider this dangerous. Please note though that studies are lacking because this is a very difficult matter to study, particularly this complicated scenario you're considering.
Kind Regards!
that would have been very unlikely
Detailed Answer:
Rabies is transmitted from live animals. The virus is neutralized soon after leaving the host's body. How soon is not very clear but having live viruses in animal's saliva (which means that the animal left the saliva earlier, so some time has already passed) and then after some time causing transmission by touching your dog's feet, sounds really unlikely. I wouldn't consider this dangerous. Please note though that studies are lacking because this is a very difficult matter to study, particularly this complicated scenario you're considering.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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