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How Long Can Rabies Virus Live Outside The Host In A Moist Environment?
Question: How long can a rabies virus live outside host in a moist environment? My bady put a tooth brush in mouth which i suspect has come in contact with a stray cat's bowl. My daughter had a fresh wound in mouth. The brush would have fell in the stray cat's bowl before 8 to 9 hours.. can a rabies virus survive in a moist brush for more than 8 hours? My daughter of 20 Months has received post prophylaxis rabies vaccine of 4 doses before 7 months and my pediatrician days the vaccine is good for a year in children.. pls provide your opinion..
Brief Answer:
Can survive only for few seconds.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I can understand your concern. Rabies virus can survive only for few seconds outside host body. So in your case there is no any direct contact with saliva of cat. So don't worry. No need of any vaccination. Anyway you have given vaccine 7 months back. I think this will clarify your concern. Take care.
Regards,
Dr Shyam Kale
Family and general physician.
Can survive only for few seconds.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I can understand your concern. Rabies virus can survive only for few seconds outside host body. So in your case there is no any direct contact with saliva of cat. So don't worry. No need of any vaccination. Anyway you have given vaccine 7 months back. I think this will clarify your concern. Take care.
Regards,
Dr Shyam Kale
Family and general physician.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
As far as i read adults need two booster doses irrespective of the duration between primary immuization and subsequent exposure.. is it different for kids? My pediatrician says rabies isnt a routine vaccine n it ll have serious side effects on kids.. I am a paranoid mother who overthinks and pls bare with me.. I understand that in my case the exposure is unlikely but even if there was a bite exposure, my daughter wouldnt need booster doses?? Wouldn't her antibody levels drop wit time?
Brief Answer:
No need of booster dose.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back.
I can understand your concern. Ideally booster dose should be given when neutralizing antibodies titre fall to less than 0.5 IU/ml.
In your case, there is no direct contact with saliva or any other way with cat, so no need of booster dose now. The antibody titre may fall with time so she may need booster dose after any exposure. Generally vaccine gives protection for one year, but booster dose depends upon the neutralizing antibodies titre. I think this will clarify your concern. Kindly follow up if you have any query. Take care.
Regards,
Dr Shyam Kale
Family and general physician
No need of booster dose.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back.
I can understand your concern. Ideally booster dose should be given when neutralizing antibodies titre fall to less than 0.5 IU/ml.
In your case, there is no direct contact with saliva or any other way with cat, so no need of booster dose now. The antibody titre may fall with time so she may need booster dose after any exposure. Generally vaccine gives protection for one year, but booster dose depends upon the neutralizing antibodies titre. I think this will clarify your concern. Kindly follow up if you have any query. Take care.
Regards,
Dr Shyam Kale
Family and general physician
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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