Can Rabies Be Transmitted Through Dog Sneezes? Expert Insights

Rabies Consultation

Hello, Dr.
Liao: A dog being carried by someone on a motorcycle (standing on the motorcycle seat) passed by me about 1 meter away while I was waiting at a traffic light.
It suddenly sneezed, and I have acne on my face that has already scabbed over and is no longer bleeding.
I would like to ask, can rabies be transmitted through droplets from a dog sneezing? Are there any documented cases of such droplet transmission in the world? I am feeling a lot of psychological pressure.
I kindly request your response.

Sally, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/01/08

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

Dear readers,
I.
First, please refer to the announcement from the Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx?treeid=8d54c504e820735b&nowtreeid=dec84a2f0c6fac5b&tid=9D2E1B3A862F06FB

1.
Animals infected with rabies carry the virus in their saliva, which can enter the human body through bites or scratches.
In Latin America, there are frequent cases of vampire bats transmitting the virus to livestock.
2.
The saliva of human patients can also contain the rabies virus; theoretically, it is possible for rabies to be transmitted from person to person, but there have been no reported cases to date.
However, there has been an instance where a patient donated corneas, resulting in the recipient contracting rabies.
3.
Caves inhabited by bats or laboratories where rabies virus is cultured could potentially facilitate airborne transmission of rabies, although this is extremely rare.
4.
Incubation Period: The incubation period for rabies can range from 1 to 3 months, occasionally being shorter than 7 days, and can last up to 7 years or more, depending on factors such as the severity of the wound, the distribution of nerves in the wound area, the distance to the brain, the strain of the virus, the viral load, the degree of clothing protection, and other factors.
II.
Therefore, from the above information, it is understood that sneezing by a person or animal does not transmit rabies; wearing a mask and practicing proper handwashing techniques and cough etiquette are sufficient.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2014/01/08

More Info

Rabies is a viral disease caused by the rabies virus, which primarily affects mammals, including dogs and humans. The most common mode of transmission of rabies is through bites from an infected animal, as the virus is present in the saliva of infected animals. The concern you have regarding the potential transmission of rabies through dog sneezes is understandable, especially given the close proximity to the dog when it sneezed.

To address your question directly: rabies is not transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as those produced when a dog sneezes. The rabies virus is primarily transmitted through saliva, and the most common route of infection is through bites. While the virus can be present in other bodily fluids, including saliva, it is not typically spread through casual contact or through the air like some respiratory viruses (e.g., influenza or COVID-19).

There are no documented cases of rabies transmission through sneezing or coughing. The rabies virus does not survive long outside of the host, and it is not airborne. Therefore, the risk of contracting rabies from a dog sneezing near you, especially if there was no direct contact with saliva or an open wound, is extremely low.

In your specific situation, since you mentioned that you had a scab on your face but it was not bleeding, the risk remains negligible. Rabies transmission requires the virus to enter the body, typically through broken skin or mucous membranes, and sneezing does not facilitate this kind of transmission.

It is important to note that rabies is a serious disease, and if you are ever bitten or scratched by an animal that may be rabid, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be administered to prevent the onset of rabies if given promptly after exposure.

In summary, you do not need to worry about rabies transmission through the dog's sneeze. However, if you have any further concerns or if you notice any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and peace of mind.

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