Understanding Rabies Latency: Risks After Cat Scratch Injury
Rabies incubation period Hello doctor, about six years ago I was scratched by a wild cat. At that time, I was unsure if I received the rabies vaccine (because I heard that the rabies vaccine requires multiple doses; I remember I only received two shots, one for tetanus and I forg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jiang: 1. The rabies virus is a rod-shaped virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus. All viruses in this genus share similar antigens, but monoclonal antibodies or nucleic acid sequencing can distinguish viruses from different regions or animal sources. Animals infected ...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Latency: Risks After Cat Scratch Injury
Understanding Rabies Latency: Risks After Cat Scratch Injury
Rabies incubation period Hello, doctor. About six years ago, I was scratched by a wild cat. At that time, I wasn't sure if I received the rabies vaccine (because I heard that the rabies vaccine requires multiple doses; I remember getting two shots, one for tetanus and I forg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jiang: 1. The rabies virus is a rod-shaped virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus. All viruses in this genus share similar antigens, but monoclonal antibodies or nucleic acid sequencing can differentiate viruses from different regions or animal sources. Animals infecte...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Latency: Risks After Cat Scratch Injury
Can a Pet Rodent Bite Lead to Rabies Infection in Toddlers?
Will a child get rabies if bitten on the finger? Hello Dr. Liao: My daughter is currently 1 year and 1 month old. On July 9, while at my mother-in-law's house, she was bitten on her index finger by a pet mouse (unsure of the breed, but it seems to be a guinea pig). There are...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, urgent wound management is the most important related guideline. For more information, please refer to the following links: [Disease Overview](https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/iHUOIaLSAbQowJjnNGH2uQ) and [Bite Management](https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/MPage/Ffsf8vPI2...[Read More] Can a Pet Rodent Bite Lead to Rabies Infection in Toddlers?
Understanding Rabies and Lyssavirus Risks from Bats
Rabies and Leptospirosis Issues Hello! I am a university student, and my school is located in Dalin, Chiayi County. Occasionally, bats appear on the balcony of our dormitory. Recently, I came across articles online stating that the mortality rate of rabies is very high, which has...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/iHUOIaLSAbQowJjnNGH2uQ. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommenda...[Read More] Understanding Rabies and Lyssavirus Risks from Bats
Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine After Being Bitten by an Unvaccinated Puppy?
Is there a concern for rabies if bitten by an unvaccinated puppy? I was bitten by an unvaccinated puppy at home today around noon, and there was some bleeding. The wound has since scabbed over, but there is pain around the area. Should I receive a rabies vaccine? I have researche...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. V: 1. Rabies is an acute viral encephalomyelitis caused by the rabies virus; once symptoms appear, the mortality rate approaches 100%. Since 1959, there have been no human cases in our country. There were two imported cases from mainland China in 2002 and 2012, and one ...[Read More] Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine After Being Bitten by an Unvaccinated Puppy?
How Long Can Rabies Virus Survive on Surfaces?
Rabies Issues How long can the rabies virus survive? If an object is contaminated with the virus, how long does it take for the virus to die and lose its infectivity? What is the risk of infection if a wound comes into contact with that object? I hope you can help me with this! T...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, please refer to the relevant information at https://www.cdc.gov.tw/uploads/files/201204/2b317d16-e1e8-4192-8de5-17e391e4bfa5.pdf. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospita...[Read More] How Long Can Rabies Virus Survive on Surfaces?
Understanding Rabies Risks: Can Contaminated Shoes Transmit the Virus?
Rabies-related issues? Hello! I visited Sun Moon Lake on May 15, and I heard that there have been concerns about wild animals in Nantou being infected with rabies in recent years. I would like to ask, if I stepped on a place that was touched by a wild animal infected with rabies,...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Here is the reference material from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/File/Get/8sVnWl9vkSfSQH3sH3mA9w https://www.cdc.gov.tw/File/Get/uoW2kaeIPdir-V4LqBSkEA. The usual mode of transmission is through animal bites, which can then infect another individ...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Risks: Can Contaminated Shoes Transmit the Virus?
Can Rabies Be Transmitted Through Feces? Understanding the Risks
Rabies is not transmitted through feces? Hello doctor, I have a wound on my toe (the kind that stings when I apply alcohol or iodine). Today, I accidentally kicked a slipper that was contaminated with feces while walking barefoot. I'm not sure how many days the feces had bee...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the situation mentioned in the text is not related to the transmission routes of rabies. For more information, you can refer to the CDC's explanation at https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/iHUOIaLSAbQowJjnNGH2uQ. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person m...[Read More] Can Rabies Be Transmitted Through Feces? Understanding the Risks
Concerns About Rabies Transmission in a Medical Clinic Setting
Worried about being infected with rabies? On May 8th, I visited a clinic for a cold, and the patient in front of me was receiving treatment for a dog bite. I would like to know if there is a risk of contracting rabies if I touched the area he had touched, and if he had any viruse...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the chances of infection in the above situation should be minimal. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Concerns About Rabies Transmission in a Medical Clinic Setting
Understanding Blood Infection Risks After Needle Stick Injuries
Blood infection Hello, doctor. While I was giving injections and drawing blood from a stray dog, I accidentally pricked my own finger and it bled. I have previously received a tetanus shot and completed the rabies vaccination series. What else should I be aware of? Is there a ris...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Currently, there are no reported cases of HIV or hepatitis B and C viruses being transmitted through blood from dogs in clinical settings. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult with an infectious disease specialist.[Read More] Understanding Blood Infection Risks After Needle Stick Injuries
Cat Scratch on Lip: What to Watch For After a Minor Injury
Cat scratch on the lip? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a cat scratch on the inside of my lip. There is no obvious bleeding, but the skin is broken. I received a tetanus shot within the last five years. Is there anything else I need to pay special attention to? Thank you...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Kai: 1. Your issue pertains to a cat scratch. It is recommended to observe or confine the cat for 10 days. If the cat becomes ill or dies, you should consider receiving the rabies vaccine. However, if you are very concerned, you may consider self-paying for the rabies v...[Read More] Cat Scratch on Lip: What to Watch For After a Minor Injury
Cat Scratch on Lip: What to Do and When to Worry
Cat scratch on the lip? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a cat scratch on the inside of my lip. There is no obvious bleeding, but the skin is broken. I received a tetanus shot within the last five years. Is there anything else I need to pay special attention to? Thank you...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Kai: 1. Your issue pertains to a cat scratch; it is recommended to observe or confine the cat for 10 days. If the cat becomes ill or dies, you should consider receiving a rabies vaccination. Of course, if you are very concerned, you may consider paying out of pocket for...[Read More] Cat Scratch on Lip: What to Do and When to Worry
Can I Contract Rabies from a Package Sent from China?
Inquiring whether packages sent from across the strait could be infected with rabies? Hello Doctor: Today I received a package sent from Guangzhou and Shanghai. While opening the package, I accidentally applied too much force, and when the bubble wrap popped back, I felt a liquid...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Rabies is a viral infection, and the virus cannot survive in a package for many days. Therefore, you do not need to worry about contracting rabies.[Read More] Can I Contract Rabies from a Package Sent from China?
Rabies Concerns After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
Rabies Consultation Hello Doctor: About a week ago, while I was feeding stray cats near my home (in the Taoyuan District), I was scratched on the back of my hand near the webbing between my thumb and index finger. At the time, there were only superficial scratch marks and no blee...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang: 1. The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, with the main infected species being the ferret badger, along with a few cases involving the white-nosed coati. According to the rabies ...[Read More] Rabies Concerns After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
Do You Need Rabies Vaccine After a Mouse Bite? Understanding Risks and Myths
Mice, rabies 1. Do I need to get a rabies vaccine if bitten by a mouse? (The wound has healed, but I'm concerned because there have been many dead mice in my house recently.) 2. Even if bitten by an animal that is infected with rabies, is it possible not to contract the di...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Han: 1. The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, with the main infected species being the ferret badger, and a few cases involving the white-nosed coati. The current regulation states th...[Read More] Do You Need Rabies Vaccine After a Mouse Bite? Understanding Risks and Myths
How Long Can Rabies Virus Survive in Saliva Under Different Conditions?
Rabies virus activity issues? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask how long saliva containing the rabies virus remains infectious in a typical air-dry environment at room temperature. Does saliva with the rabies virus lose its infectivity within a few minutes (not exceeding one hou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, 1. The rabies virus (Rabies virus) is an RNA virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus and is the causative agent of rabies. The complete rabies virus has a bullet-shaped morphology, measuring approximately 200 nm in length and about 70 nm in diameter. It is an env...[Read More] How Long Can Rabies Virus Survive in Saliva Under Different Conditions?
How Long Does Rabies Virus Remain Active in Saliva at Room Temperature?
Rabies virus environmental stability issues? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask how long saliva containing the rabies virus remains infectious in a typical non-sterile, non-dusty environment with air at room temperature (20-25°C). There are many articles online discussing this is...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Based on your letter, it should be difficult to contract rabies. The rabies virus is primarily transmitted through bites from dogs or rodents, with the virus progressively invading the central nervous system via peripheral nerves, leading to the symptoms of rabies. The virus does...[Read More] How Long Does Rabies Virus Remain Active in Saliva at Room Temperature?
Rabies Vaccination: Do You Need to Complete Your D&T Shots?
Rabies vaccine for humans Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. About six months ago, I was bitten by a stray dog in Thailand. At that time, I went to the hospital for treatment, and the doctor administered HRIG and two types of vaccines: Verorab and diphtheria and tetan...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the diphtheria and tetanus combination vaccine is generally recommended for adults as a preventive measure or booster shot, typically administered every ten years. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or ...[Read More] Rabies Vaccination: Do You Need to Complete Your D&T Shots?
Can You Get Rabies from Dog Saliva on a Wound?
Dogs drool? I got saliva from a dog on my foot today, and I have an injured area on my foot that has already scabbed over. The dog was shedding a lot of fur and seemed very aggressive, almost like it had rabies. Am I at risk of contracting rabies? I'm really scared.
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Ms. Yang: In your letter, you mentioned that a dog sprayed saliva on your foot, which has an old wound that has already scabbed over. Generally, as long as the skin wound has healed, there is no concern about transmitting viruses. However, it is important to rinse the woun...[Read More] Can You Get Rabies from Dog Saliva on a Wound?
Can You Get Rabies from Touching a Wild Cat's Saliva?
Could this lead to a rabies infection? I touched a wild kitten tonight, and its behavior seemed normal. I came into contact with its mouth and saliva for about twenty seconds, and then I scratched an already scabbed wound. Is there a risk of infection?
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, the rabies virus is primarily found in the saliva of animals and is mainly transmitted directly from animals to humans. The risk of transmission through saliva exposed to the air is relatively low. If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, headache, or...[Read More] Can You Get Rabies from Touching a Wild Cat's Saliva?