How Long Does Rabies Virus Remain Active Outside The Body?

Posted on Sat, 2 Apr 2016

Question: Hello as I'm a vetnerian student I have an anxiety issue regarding rabies virus?as I already taken pre exposure in May and its antibody level is 1.12 in August I just want to know this level is enough to keep immunised for 1 year?how long rabies virus remain active if it outside of the body?can rabies be transmitted through objects such as chair or table if rabid dog saliva present there or saliva become neutralise once it outside the body?and a dog scratch but no bleeding occur and only wheal form with no destroy to epithelium of skin and after applying alchoal ointment no burning sensation or irritation then skin is closed or open?there is no bleeding at all and no debris formation after 7-8 day then skin is closes or open?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Repeat antibody levels

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
Hi, I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
As for pre-exposure prophylaxis, the antibody levels are usually effective for 1 year. However, in people with high risk , antibody titres are checked every 6 months. As you have taken the titres in august you would need to repeat them again in march. If it is less than 0.5 IU/ml then a booster dose of vaccine would be required.
Rabies virus is said to not survive outside the body. As soon as it comes out, it dies.
So, practically it is not possible to contact rabies through objects like chairs, table.
Dog scratch is considered as Grade 1 bite, so it needs attention.
In the case scenario, you have mentioned, skin would be considered as closed.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any other query, you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (11 minutes later)

Sir I just want to that if saliva come out of the mouth of dog then virus dies and become inactive or it can spread virus?as dog which scratch me is pet and vaccinated but if it's nail or paws can get infected by saliva which is outside the body of another dog as it can happen in vetneray clinic then saliva which is on the nails of pet dog is inactive or it can transmit virus?

Sir my prime concern is that if saliva is outside the body then it can be said with surety that virus will be dead and it can not spread rabies?that my only question for you!thanking you

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
In secretions.

Detailed Answer:
Yes, viral can be present in the secretions of the animal, even if the animal has died.
Now, theoretically it is possible that, any part of the body of the dog, that might be having secretions of the dog can carry saliva and that can infect you, if it comes in blood contact.
So, till now, there is no known case of rabies, that has contracted virus outside the body of the animal.
If you have any further query, please ask me.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar