Concerns About Rabies Transmission in a Medical Clinic Setting

Worried about being infected with rabies?

On May 8th, I visited a clinic for a cold, and the patient in front of me was receiving treatment for a dog bite.
I would like to know if there is a risk of contracting rabies if I touched the area he had touched, and if he had any viruses on his body or hands, and then I touched my wound.
Additionally, if the dog-bite patient touched his health insurance card, and then the pharmacist touched the card and subsequently the ointment given to me, and I touched the outside of the ointment container while applying it to my wound, is there a concern about contracting rabies? I cannot determine whether the dog was a pet or a stray.
Thank you for your response.
I know there is currently no rabies outbreak in the country, but I am still worried about the possibility of infection and have been anxious for several days.
Thank you.

Ms. Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/10

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, the chances of infection in the above situation should be minimal.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/05/10

More Info

Concerns about rabies transmission in a medical clinic setting are valid, especially when there is potential exposure to a rabid animal. Rabies is a viral disease caused by the rabies virus, which is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via bites or scratches. The virus affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear.
In your scenario, the risk of rabies transmission through indirect contact, such as touching a surface or object that an infected person or animal has touched, is extremely low. Rabies is not transmitted through casual contact or through surfaces. The virus does not survive long outside of a host, and it is highly unlikely that it would remain viable on surfaces like a healthcare provider's desk, a healthcare card, or medication packaging.

To address your specific concerns:
1. Direct Contact with the Patient: If you touched a surface where the patient who was bitten by a dog had been, the risk of rabies transmission is negligible. Rabies is primarily transmitted through bites or scratches where saliva from an infected animal enters the body. Simply touching a surface does not pose a risk.

2. Medication and Healthcare Card: If the patient touched their healthcare card and then a pharmacist handled it, followed by you touching the medication, the risk remains extremely low. Rabies virus does not spread through inanimate objects. It requires direct contact with saliva from an infected animal or person.

3. The Dog's Status: Whether the dog was a stray or owned does not change the transmission risk in your case. If the dog was rabid, the primary concern would be if you had been bitten or scratched. Since you did not have direct contact with the dog, your risk of rabies is very low.

4. Current Rabies Status in Your Area: You mentioned that there is currently no rabies outbreak in your country. This is an important factor in assessing risk. Rabies is more common in certain regions, and if your area is rabies-free, the likelihood of encountering a rabid animal is significantly reduced.

In summary, while it is understandable to feel anxious about potential exposure to rabies, the scenarios you described do not present a significant risk for transmission. If you are still concerned, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide reassurance and guidance based on your specific situation. They may also discuss the rabies vaccination protocol if there is any potential risk of exposure, but based on your description, it seems unlikely that such measures would be necessary.
It is always best to err on the side of caution, but in this case, the likelihood of rabies transmission through the situations you described is extremely low. If you experience any symptoms or have further concerns, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

Similar Q&A

Should You See a Doctor for Potential Rabies Exposure in Children?

Hello, doctor. At the end of April, my child (currently 2 years and 11 months old) was scratched and bitten by a cat while playing in a monkey park. At that time, the injury did not seem serious, so we did not take him to see a doctor. A few days later, the wound healed. However,...

Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, the likelihood of your child being infected with common bacteria from cats or the rabies virus is low (considering the animal is from a non-endemic area and the wound is minor), so there is no need for special concern. Regarding rabies prophylaxi...

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...

Can Rabies Vaccination Lead to Rabies Infection Through Injection Site?

Hello, is it possible to contract rabies due to the injection site of a rabies vaccine or other vaccines coming into contact with certain substances, leading to an infection?

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, the situation you mentioned is likely very minimal. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits, and I cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Rabies Concerns: Do You Need Vaccination After Bat Encounter?

Hello Doctor, 1. A few weeks ago, I discovered a large amount of bat droppings on the rooftop of my house. My father and I cleaned it up, but my father’s forearm came into contact with a small amount of the droppings. Should he get a rabies vaccine in this case? 2. Additional...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Rabies is primarily transmitted to humans through wounds caused by the bites and scratches of infected animals, and it is not commonly spread through feces. Currently, Taiwan is considered a rabies-endemic area, but the main animals affected are wild ferrets and civets ...