Can You Get Rabies from Dog Saliva on a Wound?

Q: Can You Get Rabies from Dog Saliva on a Wound?

Hello, Ms. <br>Yang： In your letter, you mentioned that a dog sprayed saliva on your foot, which has an old wound that has already scabbed over. <br>Generally, as long as the skin wound has healed, there is no concern about transmitting viruses. <br>However, it is important to ri

Dogs drool?

I got saliva from a dog on my foot today, and I have an injured area on my foot that has already scabbed over.
The dog was shedding a lot of fur and seemed very aggressive, almost like it had rabies.
Am I at risk of contracting rabies? I'm really scared.

Yang Meimei, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/15

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine

Hello, Ms.
Yang: In your letter, you mentioned that a dog sprayed saliva on your foot, which has an old wound that has already scabbed over.
Generally, as long as the skin wound has healed, there is no concern about transmitting viruses.
However, it is important to rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water at the first opportunity.
If you are unsure whether the wound has healed, you should visit a dermatology or general surgery outpatient clinic for evaluation and treatment.

Reply Date: 2020/07/15

More Info

Rabies is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via bites. The rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animals, and it can enter the body through open wounds or mucous membranes. In your case, you mentioned that you were splashed with dog saliva on a wound that has already scabbed over.
While the risk of contracting rabies from saliva on a scabbed wound is significantly lower than from a fresh open wound, it is still important to consider a few factors. If the saliva came from a dog that is showing signs of rabies (such as aggression, excessive drooling, or unusual behavior), the risk could be higher. Additionally, if the wound was not completely healed and there was any break in the skin, there is a potential risk for transmission.

The rabies virus has a relatively long incubation period, which can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on various factors such as the location of the entry point and the amount of virus introduced. Symptoms of rabies can include fever, headache, confusion, agitation, and eventually, paralysis and death if left untreated.
Given your situation, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare professional can assess your risk based on the dog's behavior, vaccination status, and your wound. They may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which involves a series of rabies vaccinations to prevent the onset of the disease.
In the United States, rabies is a serious public health concern, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone who has been bitten or potentially exposed to rabies should receive immediate medical evaluation. If the dog is a stray or its vaccination status is unknown, it is even more critical to take precautions.

In summary, while the risk of rabies from saliva on a scabbed wound is lower than from a fresh wound, it is not zero, especially if the dog is exhibiting signs of rabies. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate assessment and appropriate preventive measures. Remember, rabies is a preventable disease, and timely intervention can save lives.

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