Rabies Concerns After Dog Bite: Is It Too Late for Vaccination?

Q: Rabies Concerns After Dog Bite: Is It Too Late for Vaccination?

Hello： Generally, domestic dogs do not transmit rabies unless the dog that bit you later develops rabies. <br>In Taiwan, the animals that are more commonly known to carry the rabies virus are the ferret badger and the civet. <br>You were bitten by a dog belonging to a member of t

Two and a half years ago, I was bitten by someone else's dog?

Hello doctor, I heard that the incubation period for rabies can last for several years.
I remembered that two and a half years ago, I saw a dog brought by someone exercising at school.
Since the dog used to come and play with me when it was younger, I petted it and ended up getting bitten.
I immediately pulled my hand back; it was my finger that got bitten.
Although it hurt, there was no bleeding, and it didn't seem to break the skin.
I have seen that dog alive over the past two and a half years, and the incident occurred in Taoyuan.
Does this mean there is no concern for infection? If there is still a concern, is it too late to get vaccinated now?

133, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/16

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine

Hello: Generally, domestic dogs do not transmit rabies unless the dog that bit you later develops rabies.
In Taiwan, the animals that are more commonly known to carry the rabies virus are the ferret badger and the civet.
You were bitten by a dog belonging to a member of the public two years ago; that dog was likely a domestic dog, and neither you nor that dog has exhibited any symptoms related to rabies in the past two years.
Therefore, the risk of rabies infection is very low, and there is no need for vaccination.

Reply Date: 2023/03/16

More Info

Rabies is a viral disease that primarily spreads through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites. The rabies virus can indeed have a long incubation period, ranging from a few weeks to several years, but this is relatively rare. The majority of rabies cases manifest symptoms within one to three months after exposure. Given your situation, let's break down the concerns regarding rabies and the potential for vaccination.

First, it is important to note that rabies is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. However, if a person is exposed to the virus, timely administration of the rabies vaccine can prevent the onset of the disease. The vaccine is most effective when given as soon as possible after exposure, ideally within 24 hours. The standard post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimen typically includes a series of rabies vaccinations, and in some cases, rabies immune globulin (RIG) may also be administered.

In your case, you mentioned that the bite occurred two and a half years ago, and you did not experience any bleeding or broken skin. This significantly reduces the risk of rabies transmission. Additionally, you have observed that the dog is still alive and appears healthy. This is a positive sign, as it suggests that the dog is not rabid. In general, if the animal that caused the bite is healthy and has been vaccinated against rabies, the risk of transmission is low.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that if a person is bitten by a potentially rabid animal, they should seek medical attention immediately. However, since your incident occurred over two years ago and you have not shown any symptoms of rabies, it is unlikely that you contracted the virus. Symptoms of rabies can include fever, headache, and general malaise, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms such as confusion, agitation, and hydrophobia (fear of water).

Regarding vaccination, it is generally considered too late to receive rabies vaccination for an exposure that occurred two and a half years ago, especially since you have not shown any symptoms. The rabies vaccine is most effective when administered shortly after exposure. If you are feeling anxious about the situation, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for peace of mind.

In summary, based on the information you provided, it is highly unlikely that you contracted rabies from the incident two and a half years ago, especially since the dog remains healthy. If you have any lingering concerns or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Regular vaccinations for pets and avoiding contact with wild animals are key preventive measures against rabies.

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