Concerns About Rabies After Contact with a Dog: What You Need to Know

Inquire about rabies?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask you about rabies.
This morning, I bought breakfast and accidentally brushed against a dog with the plastic bag containing my food.
The dog may have licked the plastic bag, which I then placed in my bicycle basket.
When I got home, about half an hour later, I touched the plastic bag that had come into contact with the dog to take out the food.
My hands were dry and had some cracks, and I also had ulcers in my mouth.
Could this situation lead to rabies, assuming the dog was infected? Thank you for your help, doctor.

Sihan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/20

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Miss Sihuan,
Rabies is primarily transmitted through dog bites, but bats, wolves, foxes, and skunks can also spread the virus.
The rabies virus survives in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted to humans through bites, entering the central nervous system via peripheral nerves.
The main symptoms include fever, malaise, anxiety, and throat muscle spasms.
Hydrophobia, or fear of water, can also occur, meaning that drinking water can trigger throat muscle spasms, causing the patient to fear drinking.
Pathological examination may reveal Negri bodies in ganglion cells and neurons.
The mortality rate of rabies is high, but rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin can be administered.
The situation you described theoretically poses a risk of rabies transmission; that is, the rabies virus in the dog's saliva could enter your body through a broken skin wound or oral ulcer.
According to the World Health Organization's recommendations, you should observe the dog for 10 days.
If the dog dies from rabies within that period, you should seek rabies vaccination as soon as possible.
If the dog remains healthy after 10 days, then you are likely not at risk for rabies.
The purpose of observation is to prevent the dog from being bitten by other rabid animals during the 10 days, as it would be difficult to determine if the dog was rabid initially or contracted rabies later from another animal.
In fact, there have been no reports of dog bites leading to human rabies in our country for nearly 60 years.
However, neighboring countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, still report cases.
Therefore, you should not be overly anxious.
If you still have concerns, it is advisable to discuss them directly with your family physician.
[Note] I apologize for any shortcomings in my response, as I am not proficient in reading simplified Chinese characters.

Reply Date: 2018/09/20

More Info

Rabies is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites. The rabies virus is a member of the Lyssavirus genus and is known for its high mortality rate once clinical symptoms appear. Understanding the transmission routes and risk factors associated with rabies is crucial for assessing potential exposure and determining the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

In your scenario, you had indirect contact with a dog that may have been infected with rabies. You mentioned that your food, which was in a plastic bag, came into contact with the dog, and later you touched that bag with a broken area on your hand and an ulcer in your mouth. The key points to consider in this situation are:
1. Transmission Routes: Rabies is primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected animal. The virus is present in the saliva of infected animals, and it typically requires direct entry into the body through broken skin or mucous membranes. In your case, the concern would be whether the dog's saliva was present on the plastic bag and whether it could have entered your body through the broken skin or ulcer.

2. Survival of the Virus: The rabies virus does not survive long outside of a host. It is sensitive to environmental conditions and typically does not remain viable for extended periods outside of the animal's body. Studies suggest that the virus can survive for only a few hours to a couple of days under optimal conditions, but it is unlikely to remain infectious after being exposed to air for an extended period, such as the half-hour you mentioned.

3. Risk Assessment: Given that rabies is primarily transmitted through bites and that the virus is unlikely to survive long outside of the host, the risk of contracting rabies through indirect contact with a plastic bag that may have been licked by a dog is extremely low. Additionally, the fact that you did not have a direct bite or scratch from the dog further reduces your risk.

4. Symptoms and Monitoring: Rabies symptoms typically appear within one to three months after exposure, but they can manifest as early as a few weeks or as late as several years. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, and general malaise, followed by more severe neurological symptoms. If you experience any concerning symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

5. Recommendations: While your risk appears to be minimal, it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you are still concerned about potential rabies exposure, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They may recommend observing the dog for signs of illness or rabies for ten days, as per the guidelines from health authorities. If the dog remains healthy during this period, the likelihood of rabies transmission is significantly reduced.

In conclusion, while your situation raises valid concerns, the risk of contracting rabies through the described scenario is very low. Rabies transmission typically requires direct contact with infected saliva through bites or scratches. If you have any lingering worries or develop symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Similar Q&A

Concerns About Rabies After Dog Encounter: What You Need to Know

Recently, I visited a friend near the Zengwen Reservoir in Tainan. His dog was very aggressive. On my way home, the dog bit my car in several places. About an hour after getting home, I accidentally cut myself while shaving and started to bleed. At that moment, I remembered that ...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, based on your explanation regarding your concerns, it is difficult to determine if there was direct contact. Of course, you can ask your friend if they have vaccinated their dog. If you still have doubts, you may visit an infectious disease clinic for evaluation. For more ...

Understanding Rabies Risks After a Dog Encounter: What You Need to Know

About ten days ago, I went out to buy lunch. After I made my purchase and came out, a dog suddenly ran towards me, and I couldn't dodge in time, resulting in it bumping into my right calf. It hurt a bit at the moment, but when I got home, I checked and found no wounds. I rin...

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Wang, In your letter, you mentioned that you were bumped by a dog on your right calf about ten days ago, and there was no wound. Generally, rabies infection requires contact with the saliva or bodily fluids of a mammal through an open wound or mucous membrane for transm...

Rabies Risk After Dog Bite: What You Need to Know

Three days ago, I was playing with a dog and accidentally got scratched on my hand by its canine teeth. The dog is a stray puppy that I brought home to care for. I'm unsure if I could be infected with rabies.

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Wei: 1. According to standard procedures, after a dog bite, the dog should be quarantined for 10 days to prevent it from biting other dogs. If the dog does not die from rabies after 10 days, then you should not contract rabies. However, if the dog dies from rabies withi...

Rabies Risk: Should You Worry After Encountering a Stray Dog?

Hello doctor, I am in Hualien. While riding my bicycle, I passed by a stray dog that sneezed on the ground (I’m not sure if any droplets reached me). If I have small abrasions or minor wounds on my ankle caused by scratching due to mosquito bites, is there a risk of contracting r...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of transmission should be low. Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control website for related information: online consultations are not equivalent to an in-person visit and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations...