Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Mouse Bite?
Bitten by a rat? If bitten by a rat, is there a risk of tetanus? The wound is only a small puncture, and I wiped away the blood with a tissue and disinfected it with alcohol. Do I still need to get a tetanus vaccine?
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the above situation, first, the wound should be properly treated, and a prophylactic tetanus injection is still recommended. Additionally, attention should be paid to the risk of rabies infection; you may consult an infectious disease specialist for assistance an...[Read More] Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Mouse Bite?
Should I Worry About Rabies After a Possible Animal Scratch?
Hello doctor, could you please help determine if I need to be concerned about rabies? Doctor, I live in the Zhongshan District of Taipei City, and I woke up on the fifth floor to find scratch marks that look like animal scratches. Could these possibly be from a wild animal? Do I ...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello: Currently, the incidence of rabies has decreased, but we cannot completely rule out the possibility of an animal scratch regarding your wound. It is recommended that you go directly to the Infectious Diseases outpatient clinic to discuss your concerns with a specialist. Wi...[Read More] Should I Worry About Rabies After a Possible Animal Scratch?
Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine After a Cat Bite?
Do I need to receive a rabies vaccine? Hello Doctor, last evening I was bitten on the ankle by a stray cat near my home in Changhua. The cat was initially by my feet but seemed startled by a dog and then bit me. The wound has three small marks with slight bleeding. I went to a cl...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello, if there are no special discomforts or if the wound is healing well, it is recommended to receive a tetanus vaccine injection. If there are still wounds or systemic symptoms, please go directly to the infectious disease outpatient clinic for evaluation by a specialist. Wis...[Read More] Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine After a Cat Bite?
Rabies Concerns After Cat Bite: What You Need to Know
Rabies Issues Hello doctor, I was bitten by a kitten while feeding it. There is a faint small puncture on my palm (it's actually a tiny hole that you have to look closely to see), but there is no bleeding and it doesn't hurt much. Am I at risk of contracting rabies from...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, for information and management principles related to rabies, you can refer to the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx?treeid=8D54C504E820735B&nowtreeid=DEC84A2F0C6FAC5B&tid=9D2E1B3A862F06FB. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Rabies Concerns After Cat Bite: What You Need to Know
Cat Bite Injury: Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine?
Bitten by a stray cat, experiencing arm soreness the next day? Hello Doctor, I am a volunteer working with stray animals and I have already received a tetanus vaccine. Yesterday, I was bitten on my right hand finger by a cat, and it felt like the entire tooth penetrated (I felt a...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, You mentioned that you were bitten by a stray cat and are experiencing slight pain in your right forearm. Currently, there is no rabies outbreak among stray dogs and cats in the country; however, as a precaution, it is still recommended that you visit a contracted hospit...[Read More] Cat Bite Injury: Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine?
Can Rabies Be Transmitted Indirectly Through Cat Interactions?
Can rabies be transmitted indirectly? Hello, Dr. Chen. Today, I went to a café in Taipei with my girlfriend, where there were many cats. My girlfriend loves to play with the cats, and she touched a cat and then touched my head. I often have scalp lesions that resemble pimples (I&...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Thank you for your inquiry regarding your concerns about the potential transmission of rabies from direct or indirect contact with unknown cats. Currently, there is no rabies outbreak among stray cats and dogs in our country, and there are also no reported cases of rabie...[Read More] Can Rabies Be Transmitted Indirectly Through Cat Interactions?
Can Laundry Detergent Kill Rabies Virus? Expert Insights Explained
Rabies virus Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question regarding the rabies virus: Can laundry detergent kill the rabies virus?
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Jason: The rabies virus is sensitive to temperature; heating it to 100°C for 2 minutes, 60°C for 30 minutes, or 40°C for 2 hours can inactivate the virus. Additionally, the virus is also sensitive to sunlight, ultraviolet light, and ultrasound. Chemical agents such as formal...[Read More] Can Laundry Detergent Kill Rabies Virus? Expert Insights Explained
Can Laundry Detergents Kill Rabies Virus on Contaminated Clothing?
Questions regarding the rabies virus? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the surfactant components in laundry detergent can kill the rabies virus. I have a pair of pants that got contaminated with saliva or nasal secretions from a stray dog, and I'm really worried about w...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, internet user: The rabies virus has poor survival capabilities outside of living animals. It quickly loses its activity in the presence of surfactants, strong acids and bases, formaldehyde, iodine tincture, ether, soap solutions, and detergents. Additionally, it is extreme...[Read More] Can Laundry Detergents Kill Rabies Virus on Contaminated Clothing?
Can Laundry Detergent Kill Rabies Virus? A Medical Perspective
Regarding the rabies virus? Can laundry detergent kill the rabies virus?
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, here is an excerpt from the Centers for Disease Control website for your reference. In the event of an animal bite, please follow these steps: 1. Record: Stay calm and remember the characteristics of the animal. 2. Wash: Rinse the wound with plenty...[Read More] Can Laundry Detergent Kill Rabies Virus? A Medical Perspective
Concerns About Rabies After Encountering a Stray Dog in Taiwan
Questions about rabies? Hello, doctor. Today while I was out shopping, I was sitting on my scooter scrolling through my phone when I noticed a stray dog by my feet. I'm not sure if the dog touched my foot with its nose or mouth. I was wearing flip-flops at the time. When I g...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Xiao Xin, Hello, most cases of rabies occur after being bitten by a rabid animal, where the virus is transmitted through the infected saliva. Infection can also occur through contact with virus-containing tissues or saliva via wounds or mucous membranes. If there are no obv...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Encountering a Stray Dog in Taiwan
Can Eating Cat-Contaminated Food Transmit Rabies to Children?
Rabies transmission Hello, if a child accidentally ingests a cookie that a cat may have eaten, could they become infected if the cat has rabies? Thank you.
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Animal saliva becomes infectious only 10 days before the onset of illness. If the animal does not show symptoms, the infectious potential is very low. Additionally, whether an infection occurs depends on whether there are any wounds or cavities in the child's mouth. Overall,...[Read More] Can Eating Cat-Contaminated Food Transmit Rabies to Children?
Can Rabies Be Transmitted Through Dog Sneezes?
Rabies is not transmitted through respiratory droplets? Dear Dr. Gao, I have a question regarding a dog that was being transported by its owner on a motorcycle. As the motorcycle passed by me, the dog sneezed (the dog was standing on the back of the motorcycle seat, approximatel...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Sally, There is no need to worry excessively; the factors that determine the risk of infection depend on the outbreak area, the vaccination status of the dogs, and the transmission routes. It cannot be generalized, but your risk of infection should be quite low. If you stil...[Read More] Can Rabies Be Transmitted Through Dog Sneezes?
Understanding Indirect Contact with Dog Saliva: Risks and Concerns
Indirect contact with dog saliva? Dear Doctor Gao, Thank you for your response to my previous question. It has put my mind at ease! I would like to ask you again: 1. If I indirectly came into contact with an object contaminated with dog saliva (approximately 5 minutes later), a...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Mrs. Lin, Hello. Based on your description, the likelihood of you being infected is low. However, if you still have significant concerns about rabies, I recommend that you visit the infectious disease outpatient clinic at the hospital to discuss with a specialist. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Indirect Contact with Dog Saliva: Risks and Concerns
Understanding Rabies Transmission Risks: Airborne Exposure Concerns
Rabies issues? Dear Doctor, I have been confused about the possibility of indirect transmission of rabies. If the rabies virus (from a dog's nose or lips) is exposed to the air for about 5 minutes, does it still retain its infectious capability? In other words, is there any...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Mrs. Lin: Rabies is an infection caused by an RNA virus. Generally, viruses need to be inside cells to survive and cannot survive for long in the air, so the chance of you being indirectly infected is very low. Please do not worry too much. Wishing you peace and health. Sinc...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Transmission Risks: Airborne Exposure Concerns
Rabies Risk After Cat Bite: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Rabies - Bite from a stray cat? Hello, Doctor. About two weeks ago, I discovered a feral kitten near my home. I attempted to move it outside, but while trying to catch it, I was scratched and bitten on my right middle finger, resulting in two wounds approximately 1.5 cm long. At ...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin, Hello, the rabies epidemic in the country has somewhat eased. Based on your description and the area you reside in, the likelihood of infection seems low. However, since there has been no further testing on the livestock (cats) you came into contact with, I cannot ...[Read More] Rabies Risk After Cat Bite: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Do I Need to Worry About Rabies After a Dog Encounter?
Rabies transmission Hello Doctor: Today, while I was buying breakfast, I suddenly felt something on my leg and discovered it was a dog being walked by someone else. As soon as I saw it, I couldn't move, so I'm not sure if it scratched or gently bit me. I didn't fee...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: Animals licking you does not transmit rabies. A light bite without a wound does not require concern. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan determines that only bites or scratches from stray or wild animals necessitate vaccination. The dog mentioned in ...[Read More] Do I Need to Worry About Rabies After a Dog Encounter?
Concerns About Rabies Virus Transmission from Mice and Food Safety
Rabies virus Today, I accidentally dropped some cookies along with the packaging on the floor next to the sofa. Since there have been mice in the house recently, I'm concerned about the possibility of rabies virus contamination and whether I could get infected after eating t...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the rabies virus loses its infectivity after being exposed to air for 3 to 6 hours. The primary mode of transmission is through direct bites from infected animals. Currently, there have been no confirmed cases of rabies in "mice" in ...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies Virus Transmission from Mice and Food Safety
Should You See a Doctor for Potential Rabies Exposure in Children?
About rabies? Hello, doctor. At the end of April, my child (currently 2 years and 11 months old) was scratched and bitten by a cat while playing in a monkey park. At that time, the injury did not seem serious, so we did not take him to see a doctor. A few days later, the wound he...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the likelihood of your child being infected with common bacteria from cats or the rabies virus is low (considering the animal is from a non-endemic area and the wound is minor), so there is no need for special concern. Regarding rabies prophylaxi...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Potential Rabies Exposure in Children?
Rabies Concerns: Can You Get Infected from Trying on Clothes?
Rabies Consultation Hello Dr. Chen: I went to a clothing store to buy some clothes. After trying on two pieces, I noticed a small 0.5 cm cut on my hand when I got home. It didn't bleed and hasn't fully scabbed over. If the previous customer had touched a dog or was a ra...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. If a person or another animal is bitten or scratched by an infected animal, they can contract rabies. Instances of infection through inhalation of aerosolized rabies virus are rare and typically only occur when ...[Read More] Rabies Concerns: Can You Get Infected from Trying on Clothes?
Understanding Rabies Risk: Indirect Contact and Safety in Taiwan
Rabies indirect contact Hello Dr. Chen: First of all, I would like to apologize for not knowing that repeated questions would lead to data deletion! I did not mean to do so, and I am truly sorry. I sincerely seek your guidance on the following: 1. According to the Centers for Dis...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
The letter mentions the issue of contact with stray dogs in Taiwan. Currently, Taiwan is not an area endemic to rabies, so there is no need to administer rabies vaccinations for bites from stray dogs, stray cats, or other wild animals. However, if bitten by a dog, the animal'...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Risk: Indirect Contact and Safety in Taiwan