Do Pregnant Women Need Rabies Vaccination After Dog Bite?

Q: Do Pregnant Women Need Rabies Vaccination After Dog Bite?

Dear Miss Wei：<br>1. <br>Rabies is an acute viral encephalomyelitis caused by the rabies virus; once symptoms appear, the mortality rate approaches 100%. <br>Since 1959, there have been no human cases in our country. <br>There were two imported cases from outside China in 2002 an

I would like to inquire whether I need to receive the rabies vaccine?

Hello doctor, I am currently five months pregnant.
On December 8th, I accidentally got scratched on my hand by my pet dachshund, which caused a cut and bleeding.
I cleaned the wound immediately.
I would like to know if I need to see a doctor and get vaccinated.
Thank you.

Wei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/11

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Miss Wei:
1.
Rabies is an acute viral encephalomyelitis caused by the rabies virus; once symptoms appear, the mortality rate approaches 100%.
Since 1959, there have been no human cases in our country.
There were two imported cases from outside China in 2002 and 2012, and one imported case from the Philippines in 2013.
There have been no animal cases since 1961, but the Council of Agriculture confirmed rabies virus infections in domestic wildlife starting in July 2013.
Currently, the domestic outbreak is limited to wildlife such as ferrets and civets, primarily distributed in mountainous or suburban areas of Taitung, Hualien, Pingtung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi, Yunlin, Nantou, and Taichung.
2.
Given the circumstances of being scratched by your own dachshund, the risk of contracting rabies is low.
Therefore, if you wish to receive the rabies vaccine, it may need to be self-funded, as health insurance or public funding is unlikely to cover it.
(The cost for four doses of the rabies vaccine is approximately several thousand New Taiwan Dollars.)
3.
According to the Council of Agriculture's stray dog and cat rabies surveillance data, all results have been negative.
Additionally, there is ongoing promotion of rabies vaccination for dogs and cats in the country, resulting in an extremely low risk of rabies virus infection in domestic dogs and cats.
For "stray dog and cat bite victims," rabies vaccination is not currently administered, unless the animal shows suspected rabies symptoms within 10 days of observation and is highly suspected by animal inspection authorities, in which case vaccination will be given.
4.
Since you were bitten by a dog, it is recommended to observe or confine the dachshund for 10 days.
If the dachshund dies or shows symptoms, consideration should be given to administering the rabies vaccine.
5.
Theoretically, if bitten by mammals such as dogs or cats, it is best to start the first dose of the vaccine on day 0 and complete all four doses according to schedule.
However, considering economic burdens, inconvenience, or side effects, in our country, it is acceptable to observe the animal for 10 days before making a decision, as it often takes more than 10 days for the rabies virus to travel from the bite wound to the spinal cord or brain to cause illness.
6.
Besides the risk of rabies, animal bites more commonly lead to aerobic or anaerobic bacterial infections, which may sometimes require antibiotic treatment.
If you have further questions, it is advisable to consult with a surgical or family medicine department at a regional hospital or higher for evaluation and treatment.

Reply Date: 2021/12/11

More Info

If a pregnant woman is bitten or scratched by a dog, the need for rabies vaccination depends on several factors, including the nature of the injury, the vaccination status of the dog, and the risk of rabies in the area. In your case, since you were scratched by your pet dachshund, the risk of rabies is generally low, especially if the dog is healthy and up-to-date on its vaccinations.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. However, in many regions, including parts of the United States and some areas in Asia, rabies is rare in domestic animals, particularly in pets that are regularly vaccinated. If your dog has been vaccinated against rabies and shows no signs of illness, the likelihood of rabies transmission is minimal.

Given that you experienced a scratch that broke the skin and caused bleeding, it is essential to take appropriate steps to prevent any potential infections. While rabies is a concern, bacterial infections from animal bites or scratches are more common. It is advisable to clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water and to monitor it for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.

In terms of vaccination, if the dog is healthy and has been vaccinated against rabies, you may not need the rabies vaccine. However, if there are any doubts about the dog's health or vaccination status, or if the dog shows any unusual behavior, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend observing the dog for 10 days for any signs of rabies. If the dog becomes ill or dies during this observation period, rabies vaccination may be warranted.

Regarding your pregnancy, rabies vaccination is considered safe during pregnancy. The rabies vaccine is an inactivated (killed) virus vaccine, which means it does not pose a risk to the developing fetus. If you need to receive the rabies vaccine, it is crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider, who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.

In summary, while the risk of rabies from your pet dachshund is low, it is essential to monitor the wound for infection and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. If the dog is healthy and vaccinated, you may not need the rabies vaccine, but if there are any concerns, seeking medical attention is the best course of action. Always prioritize your health and the health of your baby during pregnancy, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns.

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