Do I Need Rabies Vaccination After a Monkey Scratch?

Is it necessary to receive the rabies vaccine?

Hello Doctor: On February 6, I was scratched on my right calf by a wild monkey at Batu Caves, a tourist spot in the northern suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
At the time, I was wearing long pants, and there was no bleeding or obvious wound on my leg, just some red marks.
Therefore, I did not wash the area, apply any ointment, or use alcohol for disinfection.
Later, I became a bit concerned about rabies, and starting from February 14, I felt that my right leg seemed a bit weak and slightly numb, and I still have this sensation today.
I would like to ask the doctor if I need to consult a hospital for rabies vaccination in my situation.
If I need to seek medical attention, which department should I visit? Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Mr. Zheng, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/16

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

For information regarding rabies education, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx?treeid=8D54C504E820735B&nowtreeid=265391389B8B2287&tid=9D2E1B3A862F06FB.
If you have medical needs, it is advisable to consult an infectious disease specialist.
Please note that online consultations do not equate to in-person medical visits and cannot provide accurate diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2018/02/16

More Info

Based on your description of the incident where you were scratched by a wild monkey in Malaysia, it is understandable that you are concerned about rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically through bites or scratches. While monkeys can carry rabies, the risk of transmission from a scratch is generally considered lower than from a bite, especially if there was no bleeding or open wound.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that any potential exposure to rabies, especially from wild animals, should be taken seriously. Here are some key points to consider regarding your situation:
1. Assessment of the Scratch: Since you mentioned that the scratch did not break the skin and there was no bleeding, the risk of rabies transmission is significantly reduced. Nonetheless, it is crucial to remember that rabies can be present in animals that do not show symptoms, and the virus can be transmitted even if the animal appears healthy.

2. Symptoms and Concerns: The symptoms you are experiencing in your leg, such as weakness and tingling, could be related to anxiety or stress about the incident rather than a direct result of rabies. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any other underlying conditions.

3. Vaccination Recommendations: The general recommendation for rabies vaccination after a potential exposure is based on the type of animal involved and the nature of the exposure. In your case, since the scratch was from a wild monkey and there was no immediate medical care following the incident, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can evaluate your risk and determine whether rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is necessary.

4. Consulting the Right Specialist: If you decide to seek medical attention, it is best to visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine physician. They will be able to assess your situation, provide guidance on whether you need the rabies vaccine, and discuss any other necessary treatments.

5. Preventive Measures: If you are advised to get the rabies vaccine, it typically involves a series of shots administered over a few weeks. The vaccine is most effective when given as soon as possible after exposure. If you are not required to receive the vaccine, it is still a good practice to monitor for any unusual symptoms and maintain good hygiene practices.

In conclusion, while the risk of rabies from a scratch without bleeding is low, it is still important to consult a healthcare professional to assess your specific situation. They can provide personalized advice and determine the best course of action for your health and peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Monkey Scratch Injury: What You Need to Know About Rabies and Tetanus

Hello Doctor, I was attacked by a wild monkey in Shoushan, Kaohsiung on December 29, resulting in scratches. The wounds are small; I have two red marks on my shoulder without open wounds but with mild pain, and I suspect I may have a scrape on the back of my hand that did not ble...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Although Taiwan is currently considered a rabies-endemic area, the outbreak is limited to wild animals such as ferrets and civets, and the likelihood of monkeys in Taiwan contracting rabies is very low. 2. Most injuries from monkey bites primarily require a tetanus vacc...

Rabies Concerns After Bat Encounter: Should You Get Vaccinated?

Hello Dr. Hsiao, Three days ago, I accidentally stepped lightly on a bat that was crawling and unable to fly (it appeared to be an adult bat) while on the road. My father used a toothpick he had to touch the bat's claws to check if it was alive, intending to move it to a bu...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. According to the regulations announced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan on May 3, 2019, exposure to wild mammals (such as weasels, civets, Taitung city money mice, bats, etc.) classified as Category II or above requires immediate medical atten...

Monkey Scratch Risks: Rabies and Herpes Concerns Explained

Hello doctor, today while we were at Tataka, we encountered a group of macaques. One of the macaques came over and scratched my mother while trying to grab food, leaving a minor scratch and a little bleeding. I checked and found that macaques can carry herpes and rabies, so I hop...

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Indeed, wild animals have a higher chance of carrying the rabies virus, but currently, the domestic outbreak is limited to wild animals such as badgers and raccoons. Tataka, located at the border of Nantou and Chiayi, is in a region where positive cases of badgers are distributed...

Do I Need a Rabies Vaccine After Being Scratched by a Kitten?

Five days ago, I was scratched by a three-week-old stray kitten in the Yunlin area. I washed the wound with soap for about 20 seconds and applied medication, and the next day there was no visible wound. Do I still need to receive a rabies vaccine in this situation?

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Lin: Current surveillance data in Taiwan shows no rabies infections in stray dogs and cats. Additionally, there is an ongoing initiative to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies in the country, resulting in an extremely low risk of rabies virus infection in domestic do...