Do I Need Rabies Vaccination After a Dog Bite in Kaohsiung?

If bitten by a dog in Kaohsiung City, is it necessary to receive a rabies vaccine?

Hello, doctor.
About 20 days ago, I was bitten on my calf by a stray dog in downtown Kaohsiung.
I immediately went to the United Hospital for a consultation, and the doctor said I didn't need a rabies vaccine but did receive a tetanus shot.
However, when I later contacted the dog-catching team to have the dog captured, they questioned why I hadn't received the rabies vaccine.
Now, I'm worried about rabies every day and would like to ask for different doctors' opinions on this matter.
Additionally, I would like to know if rabies in badgers has always existed in the mountainous areas of Taiwan, or if it was discovered due to the Council of Agriculture's expanded investigation, or if there are foreign animals that have infected those badgers.
Thank you, doctor, for helping to clarify my concerns.

Ken, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/27

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, regarding rabies, you can refer to the guidelines announced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (Clinical Management Guidelines for Suspected Rabies or Leptospira Virus Infection from Animal Bites or Scratches) at https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/MPage/Ffsf8vPI2ug2_c_sjiGMWA.
As for the reason why weasels and badgers may carry the rabies virus, that is beyond my area of expertise, and I would recommend consulting an animal expert.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2023/03/27

More Info

After being bitten by a dog, especially in areas where rabies is a concern, it is crucial to assess the situation carefully. In your case, you were bitten by a stray dog in Kaohsiung, and although the doctor you consulted initially advised against rabies vaccination, your subsequent inquiries have left you feeling anxious about the potential risk of rabies.

Firstly, rabies is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites. The rabies virus can be present in various wild animals, including bats, raccoons, and in some cases, domestic animals like dogs. In Taiwan, the risk of rabies is generally low due to extensive vaccination programs for domestic pets, but there have been reports of rabies in wild animals, particularly in mountainous areas.

Regarding your specific situation, the standard protocol after a dog bite involves evaluating the risk based on the dog's vaccination status and behavior. If the dog is captured and observed for 10 days without showing signs of rabies, the risk of transmission is considered very low. However, if the dog is not available for observation, or if it is a stray with an unknown vaccination history, the recommendation is usually to receive rabies vaccination.

Since you mentioned that the dog was a stray and you were advised by the dog-catching team to consider vaccination, it is understandable that you are feeling anxious. Rabies is a serious disease with a high mortality rate once symptoms appear, but it is also preventable if vaccination is administered promptly after exposure.

In Taiwan, the rabies vaccination schedule typically involves a series of shots administered over a specific timeframe. If you are still concerned about the risk of rabies, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your situation based on the latest guidelines and your specific circumstances. They may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if they believe there is a significant risk.

As for your question about the presence of rabies in Taiwan, the recent findings regarding the presence of rabies in wild animals, such as the raccoon dog (鼬獾), have raised awareness about the potential risks. The expansion of surveillance by the Council of Agriculture has indeed revealed cases of rabies in these animals, which may be due to both local transmission and the introduction of infected animals from other regions.

In summary, if you are feeling uncertain about your rabies risk after the dog bite, it is essential to seek further medical advice. You can consider getting the rabies vaccination as a precautionary measure, especially if the dog was a stray and its vaccination status is unknown. The healthcare provider will guide you on the appropriate steps to take based on your exposure and the current health guidelines in Taiwan.

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