Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine After Animal Saliva Exposure?
If you suspect that animal saliva from a zoo animal has come into contact with your eyes, should you receive a rabies vaccine? Five days ago, while taking photos at the Taipei Zoo, I felt a liquid suddenly touch the corner of my eye while photographing an animal (likely a type of...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Animals in the zoo generally undergo regular health check-ups, so the likelihood of contracting rabies is low, and there should be no concern about the transmission of rabies.[Read More] Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine After Animal Saliva Exposure?
Rabies Vaccine Coverage for Dog Bites Abroad: What You Need to Know
Dog bite injury abroad? If someone is bitten by a dog abroad and wishes to receive rabies vaccination, can they qualify for health insurance coverage?
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If you are bitten by a dog in a rabies-endemic area abroad, you can go to an international vaccination center or the health bureau of outlying islands for a free rabies vaccination after evaluation by a physician. It is important to receive the vaccine on days 0, 3, 7, 14,...[Read More] Rabies Vaccine Coverage for Dog Bites Abroad: What You Need to Know
Do I Need a Rabies Vaccine After Being Scratched by a Kitten?
A three-week-old kitten scratched my skin? Five days ago, I was scratched by a three-week-old stray kitten in the Yunlin area. I washed the wound with soap for about 20 seconds and applied medication, and the next day there was no visible wound. Do I still need to receive a rabie...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: Current surveillance data in Taiwan shows no rabies infections in stray dogs and cats. Additionally, there is an ongoing initiative to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies in the country, resulting in an extremely low risk of rabies virus infection in domestic do...[Read More] Do I Need a Rabies Vaccine After Being Scratched by a Kitten?
Monkey Scratch Injury: What You Need to Know About Rabies and Tetanus
Injured by a monkey bite? Hello Doctor, I was attacked by a wild monkey in Shoushan, Kaohsiung on December 29, resulting in scratches. The wounds are small; I have two red marks on my shoulder without open wounds but with mild pain, and I suspect I may have a scrape on the back o...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Although Taiwan is currently considered a rabies-endemic area, the outbreak is limited to wild animals such as ferrets and civets, and the likelihood of monkeys in Taiwan contracting rabies is very low. 2. Most injuries from monkey bites primarily require a tetanus vacc...[Read More] Monkey Scratch Injury: What You Need to Know About Rabies and Tetanus
Rabies Risk After Cat Scratch: Should You Get Vaccinated?
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 sig...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
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 t...[Read More] Rabies Risk After Cat Scratch: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Understanding Rabies Risk After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
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 a little. That same night, I received a tetanus shot. After observing the cat for the past few days, it seems to show no sig...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Currently, the rabies outbreak in Taiwan is limited to wildlife. However, due to the bite incident in Fish Pond Township, it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately and receive the vaccine.[Read More] Understanding Rabies Risk After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
Can Bats Leave Rabies Virus on Clothing? Understanding the Risks
Rabies Issues Hello Doctor, I am Mark, who previously inquired about <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/199351">#199351</a>. I forgot to ask a question: on August 6th, a bat entered my room, and there were socks in the room. Although I did not see the bat l...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Theoretically, if you are not scratched or bitten by a bat, the likelihood of contracting rabies is low.[Read More] Can Bats Leave Rabies Virus on Clothing? Understanding the Risks
Rabies Concerns: What to Do After a Stray Cat Scratch
Rabies Issues Hello, doctor. There is a stray cat that was drooling, meowing loudly, and acting erratically yesterday, unable to stay still and moving around a lot. Today, it hasn't shown up at all (it used to come out on time for meals and was never aggressive). While obser...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Symptoms of rabies infection in cats include agitation, excessive salivation, photophobia, and hiding in dark places, among others. Typically, symptoms appear 2 to 4 days before the onset of paralysis and death. Although your stray cat exhibits similar symptoms, rabie...[Read More] Rabies Concerns: What to Do After a Stray Cat Scratch
Rabies Concerns: Do You Need Vaccination After Bat Encounter?
Rabies issues Hello Doctor, 1. A few weeks ago, I discovered a large amount of bat droppings on the rooftop of my house. My father and I cleaned it up, but my father’s forearm came into contact with a small amount of the droppings. Should he get a rabies vaccine in this case? ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Rabies is primarily transmitted to humans through wounds caused by the bites and scratches of infected animals, and it is not commonly spread through feces. Currently, Taiwan is considered a rabies-endemic area, but the main animals affected are wild ferrets and civets ...[Read More] Rabies Concerns: Do You Need Vaccination After Bat Encounter?
Can You Contract Rabies from Passing by a Dead Squirrel?
Is there a possibility of contracting rabies by passing by a dead squirrel? On the morning of June 27th, I was walking along the roadside in Zhongli, Taoyuan, and I saw a dead squirrel as I passed by. I would like to ask if it is possible to contract rabies in this situation? Can...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Rabies is primarily transmitted to humans through wounds caused by scratches or bites from infected animals, and it is not commonly spread through air or insects. Currently, Taiwan is considered a rabies-endemic area, but the main animals affected are wild ferrets and cive...[Read More] Can You Contract Rabies from Passing by a Dead Squirrel?
Should You Worry About Rabies or Tetanus After a Stray Dog Attack?
If attacked by a stray dog, should I be concerned about rabies or tetanus? Hello doctor, I was recently attacked by a stray dog in a rural area of Chiayi, resulting in multiple small wounds that are not bleeding but have broken skin and redness. I have already washed the wounds, ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, bite wounds should be properly treated immediately, and then evaluated by a physician to determine if relevant vaccinations are necessary. The results of rabies surveillance can be referenced from the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine. Please note...[Read More] Should You Worry About Rabies or Tetanus After a Stray Dog Attack?
Understanding Rabies Vaccine: Risks of Incomplete Dosing and Long-Term Effects
If a person receives a rabies vaccine but does not complete the full series, will it prolong the incubation period for rabies? Hello, Doctor. About 20 years ago, when I was around 7 years old, I was bitten by a monkey in Southeast Asia. I understand that after such a long time, r...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Receiving the rabies vaccine does not extend the incubation period of rabies. 2. Receiving multiple doses of the rabies vaccine does not convert it into pre-exposure prophylaxis. 3. Currently, the main medications that may affect the efficacy of the rabies vaccine are i...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Vaccine: Risks of Incomplete Dosing and Long-Term Effects
Do I Need Rabies Vaccine After Being Bitten by a Formosan Black Bear?
Rabies vaccine Three and a half years ago, I was bitten by a Formosan black bear in the mountainous area of Taitung. I managed to stop the bleeding myself after applying pressure, and once I descended, I only bandaged and treated the wound on my own. Later, I learned that Formosa...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Post-exposure rabies vaccination (vaccination after an animal bite) is recommended to be administered as soon as possible after being bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies. Generally, if rabies infection occurs without appropriate treatment, symptoms typically beg...[Read More] Do I Need Rabies Vaccine After Being Bitten by a Formosan Black Bear?
Can Rabies Vaccination Lead to Rabies Infection Through Injection Site?
Is it possible to contract rabies from receiving a rabies vaccine or other vaccines? Hello, is it possible to contract rabies due to the injection site of a rabies vaccine or other vaccines coming into contact with certain substances, leading to an infection?
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned is likely very minimal. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits, and I cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Can Rabies Vaccination Lead to Rabies Infection Through Injection Site?
Concerns About Rabies After Biking Incident with Unknown Animal
Collided with an unidentified creature while riding a bike? Hello Doctor, on the night of April 3, 2023, while riding a bike in the Shulin District of New Taipei City, my left knee collided with an unidentified creature, which I suspected to be a small bat. When I got home, I not...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The discomfort you described is more likely to be caused by contact dermatitis or a skin allergic reaction due to exposure to an unknown organism. Common symptoms of rabies include fever, sore throat, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, cough...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Biking Incident with Unknown Animal
Can Applying Ointment on Vaccine Injection Site Affect Efficacy?
After receiving a rabies vaccine or a tetanus vaccine, should I apply ointment to the injection site? Hello, doctor. Last time I asked you whether it is okay to apply anti-inflammatory ointment on the injection site after receiving the rabies or tetanus vaccine, and you said it w...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The injection site of a vaccine needle is usually very small, so it heals in a short period of time. Therefore, applying an anti-inflammatory ointment on it will not affect the efficacy of the vaccine, and the risk of infections such as cellulitis is minimal.[Read More] Can Applying Ointment on Vaccine Injection Site Affect Efficacy?
Can You Apply Antibiotic Ointment After Rabies or Tetanus Vaccination?
Rabies and Tetanus Vaccines Hello, may I ask if it is okay to apply anti-inflammatory ointment at the injection site after receiving the rabies or tetanus vaccine? Additionally, I would like to confirm if rabies can only be contracted through transmission, and that it cannot occu...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. After receiving a vaccination, it is permissible to apply anti-inflammatory ointment at the injection site to alleviate symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain. However, for rabies and tetanus vaccines, it is relatively uncommon to experience redness, swellin...[Read More] Can You Apply Antibiotic Ointment After Rabies or Tetanus Vaccination?
Should I Get a Rabies Vaccine After a Possible Dog Encounter?
Should I get the rabies vaccine? Yesterday afternoon, I encountered a family with a little girl walking a small white dog. As I passed by them, I accidentally stepped on something that felt like the dog. At that moment, I felt something under my left foot, but I wasn't sure ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Currently, rabies in Taiwan occurs only in wild animals such as ferrets and civets, and there is no transmission among domestic dogs and cats. If you encountered a pet dog and did not have any obvious external injuries, your risk of contracting rabies is very low. Therefor...[Read More] Should I Get a Rabies Vaccine After a Possible Dog Encounter?
Dog Bite Concerns: Rabies, Tetanus, and Wound Care Explained
Bitten on the hand by my own dog? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask four questions: 1. I was bitten on my finger by my dog around midnight on April 13. The bite site is shown in the photos linked here. There was no bleeding, and I'm not sure if there are other bite marks....
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, rabies in Taiwan only occurs in wild animals such as badgers and civets, and there is no transmission among domestic dogs and cats. Additionally, your pet dog has been vaccinated against rabies, so the likelihood of contracting rabies from being bitten by you...[Read More] Dog Bite Concerns: Rabies, Tetanus, and Wound Care Explained
Do You Need Rabies Vaccination After a Squirrel Bite? Expert Advice
Do you need to get a rabies vaccine if bitten by a wild squirrel? Hello doctor, my 4-year-old son was bitten on his thumb by a wild squirrel in the park. The small wound bled a little, but we cleaned it, and it stopped bleeding afterward. We did not go to the hospital at that tim...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Currently, rabies in Taiwan occurs primarily in wild animals such as ferrets and the Formosan ferret badger, particularly in the central, southern, and eastern regions. Therefore, in the case of your son being bitten by a wild squirrel, there is no need for rabies vaccinat...[Read More] Do You Need Rabies Vaccination After a Squirrel Bite? Expert Advice