Can I Pay for Rabies Vaccine Even If Doctor Says It's Unnecessary?
If you are concerned, can you pay out of pocket for the rabies vaccine? Hello, I would like to ask about the issue of self-paying for rabies vaccination. Three months ago, I was hit by a bat while riding my motorcycle. I went to see a doctor who assessed that there were no bite o...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is possible to receive a rabies vaccine at your own expense. Here is a list of medical facilities that provide human rabies vaccinations. You can find the information at the following link (if the link does not work, please refer to the attached image): https://www.cdc....[Read More] Can I Pay for Rabies Vaccine Even If Doctor Says It's Unnecessary?
Should You Get Rabies and Tetanus Shots After Cat Scratches?
Scratched by a feral cat? If your daughter was scratched by a stray cat, it is important to consider rabies and tetanus vaccinations. Since she was scratched three times by different cats, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. For rabies, the risk depends on the...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! The initial symptoms of rabies are nonspecific, such as fever, sore throat, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, cough, weakness, anxiety, and headache, or specific symptoms related to the site of a bite or scratch. After several days, symptom...[Read More] Should You Get Rabies and Tetanus Shots After Cat Scratches?
Rabies Risk: Should You Worry After Encountering a Stray Dog?
Rabies issues Hello doctor, I am in Hualien. While riding my bicycle, I passed by a stray dog that sneezed on the ground (I’m not sure if any droplets reached me). If I have small abrasions or minor wounds on my ankle caused by scratching due to mosquito bites, is there a risk of...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of transmission should be low. Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control website for related information: online consultations are not equivalent to an in-person visit and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations...[Read More] Rabies Risk: Should You Worry After Encountering a Stray Dog?
Understanding Infection Risks from Animal Handling and Wound Care
Infection issues Hello Doctor: Last week, I handled a certain type of wild mammal that had been hunted in Hualien. During the process of cutting the animal's carcass, I accidentally cut my hand with a knife. The top layer of skin was lifted, but there was no significant woun...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the Centers for Disease Control provides educational content on rabies. The main transmission route is through bites from animals infected with rabies, as the virus is present in their saliva and can enter the human body through scratches, bites, or through skin wounds and...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Animal Handling and Wound Care
Concerns About Infection Risks from Handling Wild Animal Carcasses
Infection issues Hello Doctor: I handled a certain non-protected wild mammal that had been hunted. During the process of cutting the animal's carcass, I accidentally cut my hand with the knife. The top layer of skin was lifted, but there was no obvious wound (no bleeding). H...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you first seek treatment at a medical facility for the laceration. In addition to pathogens from the animal itself, the instruments used may also carry pathogens. You may need to receive a tetanus vaccine and have the wound assessed to determine if f...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Handling Wild Animal Carcasses
Should I Worry About Rabies After a Minor Dog Scratch?
Should I be concerned about rabies in this situation? Around March 16, I accidentally got a minor scratch from my neighbor's dog, which slightly broke the skin but did not bleed, leaving a small red mark. At that moment, I had to rush to work and did not treat it immediately...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: Currently, there is no rabies outbreak among stray and domestic dogs in Taiwan! Even in areas with rabies outbreaks, the risk of virus transmission from a bite by a dog or other animals only exists if there is bleeding. Based on your description, there is no need...[Read More] Should I Worry About Rabies After a Minor Dog Scratch?
Recognizing Early Signs of Rabies: What to Watch for During the Incubation Period
Dear Dr. Hsiao: If a patient unfortunately contracts rabies, are there any unusual signs that can be detected during the incubation period before the onset of early symptoms? In 2017, a female patient in Xi'an, China, experienced frequent urination, urgency, numbness in the ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In 2017, a female patient in Xi'an, China, developed frequent urination, urgency, numbness in the leg where she was bitten by a dog, and back pain after more than 20 days post-bite. After seeing local orthopedic and urology specialists without improvement, her condition wors...[Read More] Recognizing Early Signs of Rabies: What to Watch for During the Incubation Period
Understanding Rabies Risks After a Dog Scratch: What You Need to Know
Questions related to rabies! Dear Doctor: About 20 days ago, I was lightly scratched by a dog that was being kept by someone. The scratch broke the skin but did not bleed, and there was a small red mark. I did not take any special measures, only applying some Mentholatum. I am un...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Luka: 1. Generally speaking, if the dog or cat that bit or scratched you has been regularly vaccinated against rabies, then the patient should be fine. However, if the dog or cat has not been vaccinated regularly, it is recommended to isolate and observe the animal for ...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Risks After a Dog Scratch: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Rabies After Dog Encounter: What You Need to Know
Rabies Issues Recently, I visited a friend near the Zengwen Reservoir in Tainan. His dog was very aggressive. On my way home, the dog bit my car in several places. About an hour after getting home, I accidentally cut myself while shaving and started to bleed. At that moment, I re...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your explanation regarding your concerns, it is difficult to determine if there was direct contact. Of course, you can ask your friend if they have vaccinated their dog. If you still have doubts, you may visit an infectious disease clinic for evaluation. For more ...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Dog Encounter: What You Need to Know
Understanding Rabies Risks After Bat Encounters: What You Need to Know
Questions about rabies? Here's the translation: Here's the situation. In mid-July 2019, I discovered a large brick kiln, which is quite rare, so I went inside to take photos (the location is in Sanzi, New Taipei). The air inside was somewhat murky, and I didn't br...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, here is the Q&A organized as follows: 1. Is it possible to get infected? "The chances are low. The rabies virus is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches. While there have been cases abroad where humans were infected w...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Risks After Bat Encounters: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Rabies Vaccination After Cat Scratch Abroad
Concerns about receiving rabies vaccination abroad? Hello, Doctor. The patient was scratched by a wild cat in the Philippines on 10/13 (no bite wound), with slight surface bleeding. They received a rabies vaccine locally on 10/14. They will return to the hospital to receive equin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. VV: 1. Currently, there are two known rabies vaccines: a. Verorab® (Sanofi Pasteur), which is cultured in African green monkey kidney cells. b. Rabipur® (Novartis), which is a purified chick embryo cell vaccine. 2. Clinically, it is preferable to use the same ...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies Vaccination After Cat Scratch Abroad
Rabies Consultation: Should I Seek Medical Attention After Animal Encounter?
Rabies Consultation for Medical Care Last night, while I was watering plants in the rooftop garden on the sixth floor for my injured father, I was attacked by an unidentified flying creature. Due to the limited light from a flashlight and the creature's rapid movement, I cou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: 1. According to the regulations published by Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control on May 3, 2019, exposure to wild mammals (such as badgers, civets, Taitung city money mice, bats, etc.) classified as Category II (and above) requires immediate medical attentio...[Read More] Rabies Consultation: Should I Seek Medical Attention After Animal Encounter?
Rabies Concerns After Bat Encounter: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Rabies-related issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Three days ago, I accidentally stepped lightly on a bat that was crawling and unable to fly (it appeared to be an adult bat) while on the road. My father used a toothpick he had to touch the bat's claws to check if it was alive, inten...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. According to the regulations announced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan on May 3, 2019, exposure to wild mammals (such as weasels, civets, Taitung city money mice, bats, etc.) classified as Category II or above requires immediate medical atten...[Read More] Rabies Concerns After Bat Encounter: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Rabies Vaccine Concerns After Monkey Bite: What to Do Next?
Rabies vaccine Hello, doctor: I was bitten by a wild macaque while visiting the Dengxian Bridge in Donghe Township, Taitung County. I received a tetanus vaccine at a clinic right after the incident. After returning to Taipei, I discovered that the area is a rabies-endemic zone, a...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, regarding rabies vaccine education, you may refer to the health education information provided by the Centers for Disease Control at this link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Uploads/archives/%E7%96%91%E4%BC%BC%E7%8B%82%E7%8A%AC%E7%97%85%E6%9A%B4%E9%9C%B2%E5%BE%8C%E5%85%8D%E7%96%A...[Read More] Rabies Vaccine Concerns After Monkey Bite: What to Do Next?
Is It Safe to Delay the Final Rabies Vaccine Dose While Traveling?
Does missing the last rabies vaccine dose make a difference? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I was bitten by a dog while traveling in India, and I have already received four doses of the rabies vaccine. However, the final dose is scheduled for two weeks from now, and I will be in Sri Lanka at t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiao Guo: 1. Currently, there are two known rabies vaccines: a. Verorab® (Sanofi Pasteur), which is cultured in African green monkey kidney cells. b. Rabipur® (Novartis), which is a purified chick embryo cell vaccine. 2. Clinically, it is preferable to use the same va...[Read More] Is It Safe to Delay the Final Rabies Vaccine Dose While Traveling?
Rabies Vaccine Considerations After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
2019 Stray Cat Rabies Vaccination Campaign Hello, I am a resident near National Chung Cheng University in Minxiong Township, Chiayi County. About 1 to 2 weeks ago (on January 24), I was scratched by a stray cat in this area. The cat initially allowed me to pet it, but after a min...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Yeh Hsueh, In your letter, you mentioned that you were scratched by a feral cat near National Chung Cheng University in Minxiong Township, Chiayi County, at the end of January. The wound consists of four shallow and short punctures, which have healed. Currently, rabies ...[Read More] Rabies Vaccine Considerations After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
Understanding Rabies Transmission: Risks from Stray Animals and Feces
Rabies transmission I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to ask the doctor: I have obsessive-compulsive disorder, and recently I came across news about rabies. Aside from being bitten by an animal, is it possible to contract the virus from the feces of stray cats a...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, rabies is primarily transmitted through animal bites. In rare cases, infection can occur without an animal bite, such as through inhalation of viral particles. The infection rate in the situation you mentioned should be extremely low.[Read More] Understanding Rabies Transmission: Risks from Stray Animals and Feces
Concerns About Rabies After Contact with a Dog: What You Need to Know
Inquire about rabies? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about rabies. This morning, I bought breakfast and accidentally brushed against a dog with the plastic bag containing my food. The dog may have licked the plastic bag, which I then placed in my bicycle basket. When I go...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Sihuan, Rabies is primarily transmitted through dog bites, but bats, wolves, foxes, and skunks can also spread the virus. The rabies virus survives in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted to humans through bites, entering the central nervous system via per...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Contact with a Dog: What You Need to Know
Rabies Risk After Dog Bite: What You Need to Know
Regarding rabies issues? Three days ago, I was playing with a dog and accidentally got scratched on my hand by its canine teeth. The dog is a stray puppy that I brought home to care for. I'm unsure if I could be infected with rabies.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wei: 1. According to standard procedures, after a dog bite, the dog should be quarantined for 10 days to prevent it from biting other dogs. If the dog does not die from rabies after 10 days, then you should not contract rabies. However, if the dog dies from rabies withi...[Read More] Rabies Risk After Dog Bite: What You Need to Know
Do You Need Rabies Vaccination After a Squirrel Scratch?
Scratched by a park squirrel? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a question. On July 24, 2018, in the afternoon, I was scratched on the finger by a wild squirrel at Daan Forest Park in Taipei. There was no bite; the wound is small and not deep, appearing to be just a minor ab...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan provides information regarding rabies. Squirrels are not listed among the animals that require vaccination. Please note that online consultations do not equate to in-person medical visits and cannot provide accurate diagnoses or tr...[Read More] Do You Need Rabies Vaccination After a Squirrel Scratch?