How Long Does Rabies Virus Remain Active in Saliva at Room Temperature?

Rabies virus environmental stability issues?

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to ask how long saliva containing the rabies virus remains infectious in a typical non-sterile, non-dusty environment with air at room temperature (20-25°C).
There are many articles online discussing this issue, but the conclusions vary.
Some say that because the rabies virus is an anaerobic virus, it loses its activity immediately (or within 5-10 minutes) when exposed to air, while others state that it remains active until the saliva dries, and some suggest it could take three to six hours or even a day to lose its activity.
Is there currently a definitive answer to this question? Additionally, I would like to ask if I need to take disinfection measures if I purchase an item online from a seller who has a dog that has rabies, and the dog's saliva has dripped onto my item, which is delivered to me 24 hours later.
Thank you, Doctor.

Andy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/09

Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine

Based on your letter, it should be difficult to contract rabies.
The rabies virus is primarily transmitted through bites from dogs or rodents, with the virus progressively invading the central nervous system via peripheral nerves, leading to the symptoms of rabies.
The virus does not survive long in the air or on dry surfaces, so by the time you receive an online purchase, the virus would likely be dead.
Additionally, this disease cannot be contracted simply by skin contact with contaminated items.
If you are concerned about contamination on your online purchases, you can wipe them down with alcohol.

Reply Date: 2020/10/09

More Info

The rabies virus, which is a member of the Lyssavirus genus, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites. Understanding how long the rabies virus remains active in saliva at room temperature is crucial for assessing potential exposure risks.

1. Survival of Rabies Virus in Saliva: The rabies virus is sensitive to environmental conditions. At room temperature (20-25°C), studies suggest that the virus can remain viable in saliva for several hours, but its infectious potential decreases significantly over time. While some sources may claim that the virus can lose its infectivity within minutes due to its sensitivity to oxygen (as it is an anaerobic virus), other studies indicate that it can remain active for up to 24 hours under certain conditions. The variability in these findings can be attributed to factors such as humidity, the presence of organic material, and the specific strain of the virus.

2. Factors Affecting Virus Viability: The survival of the rabies virus in saliva is influenced by several factors:
- Temperature: Higher temperatures can reduce the virus's lifespan, while cooler temperatures may extend it.

- Humidity: The presence of moisture can help preserve the virus, while dry conditions can lead to quicker inactivation.

- Exposure to Air: As an anaerobic virus, rabies is less stable when exposed to oxygen, which can lead to a rapid loss of infectivity.

3. Practical Implications for Exposure: If you have received a package from a seller who owns a dog that has rabies, and there is a possibility that the dog's saliva has contaminated the item, it is prudent to take precautions. Given that the rabies virus can remain viable for several hours, it is advisable to disinfect the item upon receipt. Common disinfectants, such as bleach solutions or alcohol-based wipes, can effectively inactivate the virus.

4. Recommendations for Safety:
- Disinfecting Items: If you suspect that an item may have been contaminated with rabies virus, clean it thoroughly with a disinfectant. Pay special attention to surfaces that may have come into contact with saliva.

- Avoiding Contact: If you are aware of potential contamination, avoid direct contact with the item until it has been properly cleaned.

- Monitoring for Symptoms: If you experience any unusual symptoms after potential exposure, seek medical attention immediately. Rabies is a serious disease, and once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal.

5. Consulting Health Professionals: If you have specific concerns about rabies exposure, it is essential to consult with healthcare professionals. They can provide guidance based on your individual situation and may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if there is a significant risk of rabies transmission.

In summary, while the rabies virus can remain active in saliva for several hours at room temperature, its viability decreases over time, especially when exposed to air. If you suspect contamination, it is wise to disinfect the item and consult healthcare professionals for further advice. Taking these precautions can help mitigate the risk of rabies transmission and ensure your safety.

Similar Q&A

How Long Can Rabies Virus Survive in Saliva Under Different Conditions?

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask how long saliva containing the rabies virus remains infectious in a typical air-dry environment at room temperature. Does saliva with the rabies virus lose its infectivity within a few minutes (not exceeding one hour) due to the virus's ana...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Sir/Madam, 1. The rabies virus (Rabies virus) is an RNA virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus and is the causative agent of rabies. The complete rabies virus has a bullet-shaped morphology, measuring approximately 200 nm in length and about 70 nm in diameter. It is an env...

How Long Can Rabies Virus Survive Outside the Body?

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask how long the rabies virus can survive at room temperature (such as 29 degrees Celsius) or in the air? Can the virus survive in water? Is it possible to wash away the virus with just water? Besides saliva, can rabies be transmitted through other ...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The rabies virus survives in air and water for only a few hours. 2. Rinsing with clean water can wash away the virus, but if the infection occurs through a wound, the virus may have already entered the body, making the effectiveness of rinsing less ideal. 3. Rabies is p...

Concerns About Rabies Virus Transmission from Mice and Food Safety

Today, I accidentally dropped some cookies along with the packaging on the floor next to the sofa. Since there have been mice in the house recently, I'm concerned about the possibility of rabies virus contamination and whether I could get infected after eating them, especial...

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, the rabies virus loses its infectivity after being exposed to air for 3 to 6 hours. The primary mode of transmission is through direct bites from infected animals. Currently, there have been no confirmed cases of rabies in "mice" in ...

Rabies Exposure Concerns: What Parents Need to Know

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if my hand came into contact with the saliva of a stray dog and I only washed my hands normally afterward, touching water 2-3 times during that period, and then handled fruit for my child to eat (with my hands touching the fruit), and my child ...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine
Dear readers, Regarding the question of whether contact with the saliva of a stray dog could lead to rabies infection after only washing hands normally, touching water 2-3 times, and then cutting fruit for a child (with the hands touching the fruit), especially since the child h...