Rabies Risk After Cat Scratch: Should You Get Vaccinated?

Q: Rabies Risk After Cat Scratch: Should You Get Vaccinated?

Hello： Although Taiwan is currently classified as a rabies-endemic area, the primary animals affected are wild ferrets and civets found in the central, southern, and eastern regions. <br>Stray cats are not commonly known to contract rabies, and since you observed that the stray c

Rabies issues

I would like to ask the doctor, a few days ago, I was scratched by a stray cat in Ita Thao, Sun Moon Lake.
The wound is about 0.5 cm and bled slightly.
That same night, I received a tetanus shot.
After observing the cat for the past few days, it seems to show no signs of rabies, but I am still a bit worried about contracting rabies, so I would like to inquire about this.
It seems that cases of rabies in Taiwan are rare or not commonly heard of.
Could you please explain my risk level? I've been feeling dizzy for the past few days, and I have been taking cold medicine, so I wonder if that could be the cause.
I heard that Nantou is a high-risk area; do I need to receive the rabies vaccine?

Tan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/06

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine

Hello: Although Taiwan is currently classified as a rabies-endemic area, the primary animals affected are wild ferrets and civets found in the central, southern, and eastern regions.
Stray cats are not commonly known to contract rabies, and since you observed that the stray cat that scratched you showed no signs of rabies infection, your risk of contracting rabies should be low, and vaccination against rabies may not be necessary.

Reply Date: 2023/10/06

More Info

When it comes to the risk of rabies after being scratched by a cat, especially in a region like Taiwan, it's essential to consider several factors before deciding whether to get vaccinated.
First, let's clarify the rabies situation in Taiwan. As of now, rabies is primarily found in wild animals, particularly in species like the ferret badger and the white-nosed coati. There have been no reported cases of rabies transmission from domestic cats or dogs to humans in Taiwan in recent years. This significantly lowers the risk of contracting rabies from a cat scratch, especially if the cat appears healthy and has not shown any signs of illness.

In your case, you mentioned that the scratch was minor (about 0.5 cm) and that you received a tetanus shot on the same day. This is a good first step in managing the wound. The immediate cleaning of the wound with soap and water, followed by antiseptic application, is also crucial in preventing bacterial infections, which are more common than rabies in such scenarios.

Regarding your concerns about rabies, the general recommendation is to assess the vaccination status of the cat involved. If the cat is a stray and its vaccination history is unknown, it is prudent to monitor the cat for any signs of illness for at least 10 days. If the cat remains healthy during this period, the risk of rabies transmission is significantly reduced. However, if the cat shows any signs of rabies (such as behavioral changes, excessive salivation, or paralysis), you should seek medical attention immediately.

As for your symptoms of dizziness, it is essential to consider that they may not be related to the cat scratch or rabies. Dizziness can result from various factors, including anxiety, medication side effects (like those from cold medicine), or even dehydration. If your dizziness persists or worsens, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other potential causes.

In conclusion, based on the current rabies situation in Taiwan and the details you've provided, your risk of contracting rabies from the scratch appears low. However, if you remain anxious about the situation or if the cat's health status is uncertain, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can evaluate your specific circumstances and help you decide whether rabies vaccination is necessary.
To summarize, while rabies is a serious disease, the likelihood of contracting it from a healthy-looking cat in Taiwan is minimal, especially if the cat has not exhibited any concerning symptoms. Your focus should also be on monitoring your wound for signs of infection and addressing any ongoing health concerns with your doctor.

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