Can a person with rabies give it to another person?
Rabies is not contagious from person to person. The virus most often spreads through bites from an infected animal. But it can also spread if the animal’s saliva (spit) gets directly into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound (such as a scratch or a scrape).
Are there any cases of rabies from nonbite exposure?
Nonbite exposures from terrestrial animals rarely cause rabies. However, occasional reports of rabies transmission by nonbite exposures suggest that such exposures should be evaluated for possible postexposure prophylaxis administration.
What kind of exposure is most likely to cause rabies?
The contamination of open wounds, abrasions, mucous membranes, or theoretically, scratches (potentially contaminated with infectious material from a rabid animal) constitutes a nonbite exposure. Nonbite exposures from terrestrial animals rarely cause rabies.
How is rabies transmitted from person to person?
Rabies is transmitted only when the virus is introduced into a bite wound, open cuts in skin, or onto mucous membranes such as the mouth or eyes. Other factors to consider when evaluating a potential rabies exposure include the natural occurence in the area, the biting animal’s history and current health status…
Can a person get rabies from a bat bite?
All bites, regardless of body site, represent a potential risk of rabies transmission, but that risk varies with the species of biting animal, the anatomic site of the bite, and the severity of the wound. Bites by some animals, such as bats, can inflict minor injury and thus be difficult to detect.
When to seek medical attention for a rabies bite?
It’s important to remember that rabies is a medical urgency but not an emergency. Decisions should not be delayed. Wash any wounds immediately. One of the most effective ways to decrease the chance for infection is to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Nonbite exposures from terrestrial animals rarely cause rabies. However, occasional reports of rabies transmission by nonbite exposures suggest that such exposures should be evaluated for possible postexposure prophylaxis administration.
Is it too late to get rabies shots after exposure?
Bites and exposures from wild animals should be treated as if the animal were rabid until rabies has been ruled out. There have been instances when a person did not start rabies shots for months after an exposure because the exposure was never suspected. Once a person develops rabies symptoms it is too late to vaccinate against rabies!
What should I do if I get rabies from an animal?
A wild or hybrid animal that bites a person should be humanely destroyed and the brain submitted for rabies testing. If the animal is a valuable specimen (at a zoo, for example) then rabies shots can be given to the exposed person instead of destroying the animal.
