Questions about rabies?
Here's the translation:
Here's the situation.
In mid-July 2019, I discovered a large brick kiln, which is quite rare, so I went inside to take photos (the location is in Sanzi, New Taipei).
The air inside was somewhat murky, and I didn't bring a mask.
Shortly after entering the kiln, I noticed there were many bats inside, and upon seeing the bats, I immediately exited.
Although I did not have any direct contact with the bats, I heard that rabies could potentially be transmitted through bat droppings or aerosols.
So, I'm wondering if I might have been infected? Now it is February 1, 2020, and I heard that the average incubation period for rabies is about three months.
Since it has been six months, can I be reassured? Or do I still need to get vaccinated? If vaccination is necessary, where should I go to get it?
Hsuān, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/01
Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine
Hello, here is the Q&A organized as follows:
1.
Is it possible to get infected? "The chances are low.
The rabies virus is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches.
While there have been cases abroad where humans were infected with rabies after inhaling high concentrations of the virus from bat droppings in caves, there have been no reported cases of rabies virus detected in bats in Taiwan by the Council of Agriculture." (Centers for Disease Control)
2.
Do I need to get vaccinated? If necessary, where should I go for vaccination?
(1) Rabies vaccination is divided into two categories: post-exposure vaccination, which is administered after an animal bite or scratch, with a schedule of doses on the day of the bite, and then on days 3, 7, and 14, totaling 4 doses; and pre-exposure vaccination, which is recommended for individuals at higher risk due to occupational exposure or travelers, available at their own expense, with a schedule of doses on days 0, 7, and either 21 or 28, totaling 3 doses.
(2) You can refer to the CDC website for hospitals that provide rabies vaccination services, at the following link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/File/Get/mzso6wFLVIVV0zypfdsZlQ.
If you still have concerns, you can also visit the aforementioned hospitals for in-person consultation.
Reply Date: 2020/02/01
More Info
When it comes to rabies and encounters with bats, it's essential to understand the transmission routes and the associated risks. Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via bites or scratches. Bats, while they can carry rabies, are not the most common carriers of the virus, especially in certain regions. In your case, since you did not have direct contact with the bats in the brick kiln, the risk of rabies transmission is significantly lower.
Rabies is not transmitted through the air or through feces. Therefore, simply being in an environment where bats are present does not pose a risk of rabies infection unless there is direct contact, such as a bite or scratch. The concern about rabies from bat droppings or being in a space where bats are located is largely unfounded. The virus does not survive long outside of a host, and exposure to bat feces does not lead to rabies transmission.
Regarding the incubation period for rabies, it typically ranges from one to three months, but it can vary. In some cases, symptoms may appear as early as a few weeks or as late as several years after exposure. However, since you mentioned that it has been over six months since your encounter with the bats and you have not experienced any symptoms, it is highly unlikely that you contracted rabies from that incident.
If you are still feeling anxious about the possibility of rabies, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide reassurance and, if necessary, discuss the option of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) based on your specific circumstances. PEP typically involves a series of rabies vaccinations and is most effective when administered soon after exposure.
In summary, based on the information provided, your risk of rabies from the encounter with bats in the brick kiln is minimal, especially given the time that has passed without symptoms. If you have further concerns or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice. You can visit your primary care physician or a local health clinic for further evaluation and peace of mind.
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