Rabies, Internal Medicine FAQ

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Should You Get Rabies Vaccination After an Animal Bite in Taiwan?

Animal bite injury About a week ago, I was bitten by some kind of creature while at the beach near Kenting Street. I saw a bat at that time. The next day, I noticed two close red spots on my foot, but since there was no pain, I didn't seek medical attention. Today, I realize...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It is advised not to proceed, as it is difficult to confirm whether it is an inappropriate bite or if it was a bat bite. Currently, there have been no reported cases of rabies virus found in bats in the country. Alternatively, you can visit a healthcare facility that provides rab...

[Read More] Should You Get Rabies Vaccination After an Animal Bite in Taiwan?


Understanding Rabies Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects After Animal Bites

Hello, I am the questioner 198067. I apologize for having some additional questions to ask you? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. My understanding is that after being bitten by a monkey over 20 years ago, even though the initial treatment was incomplete (for example, I only ...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Correct. 2. I haven't heard of it so far!

[Read More] Understanding Rabies Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects After Animal Bites


Understanding Rabies: Can It Remain Dormant for Over 20 Years?

Hello, I am the questioner 198067? Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking again. Do you mean that if it has been over 20 years without any rabies symptoms, this indicates that the rabies virus did not enter my body at the time of the initial bite? Or is it possible that a trace am...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
According to the existing literature, it appears that the rabies virus does not coexist peacefully with the human body in the long term. The incubation period generally does not exceed one year, so if there are no related neurological symptoms after one year, it can be considered...

[Read More] Understanding Rabies: Can It Remain Dormant for Over 20 Years?


Concerns About Rabies After Monkey Bite: 20 Years Later

Bitten by a monkey over 20 years ago? Hello, doctor. When I was about 8 years old (over 20 years ago), I was bitten by a monkey in Southeast Asia. However, since it has been such a long time, I can't remember if I received pre-exposure or post-exposure rabies vaccinations, o...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The incubation period for rabies is not that long, so there's no need to worry!

[Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Monkey Bite: 20 Years Later


Understanding Dog Bites: Rabies Risks and Wound Care Essentials

Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, doctor. I am the person asking the following question: "I have a wound on my calf that looks like it was scratched from itching or possibly a mosquito bite. I didn't examine the wound closely, but a few d...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
You're welcome!

[Read More] Understanding Dog Bites: Rabies Risks and Wound Care Essentials


Concerns About Dog Scratches on an Existing Wound: Risks and Care

I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a wound on my calf that looks like it was either bitten by a mosquito or scratched due to itching. I didn't examine the wound closely, but a few days ago, my dog suddenly jumped on me and...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, unless your dog has rabies, there is a chance of transmitting rabies to you. Therefore, please regularly take your pets to the veterinarian for health check-ups and necessary vaccinations. Open wounds can allow various bacteria to enter and cause infections, so it is advis...

[Read More] Concerns About Dog Scratches on an Existing Wound: Risks and Care


Dog Bite Concerns: Do You Need Rabies and Tetanus Vaccines?

Bitten 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. My dog is tw...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to go to the hospital for wound treatment and evaluation if bitten! Online consultations cannot replace in-person examinations and assessments. 1. No, if bitten by a domestic dog, rabies vaccination is not necessary. 2. Any deep wound carries a risk; i...

[Read More] Dog Bite Concerns: Do You Need Rabies and Tetanus Vaccines?


Risks of Self-Injury While Vaccinating Stray Dogs: What You Should Know

Is there a risk of injuring oneself while giving a dog an injection? Hello, doctor. While I was giving vaccinations and drawing blood from a stray dog, I accidentally pricked my own finger and it bled. Prior to this, I had already received the tetanus and rabies vaccines. I would...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the risk of contracting these bloodborne diseases is very low. However, due to the needlestick incident, it is recommended to follow the standard post-exposure protocol. It is advisable to have follow-up testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, and liver function at 3,...

[Read More] Risks of Self-Injury While Vaccinating Stray Dogs: What You Should Know


Am I at Risk of Rabies After a Dog Bite Years Ago?

Am I at risk of contracting rabies? When I was in the ninth grade, I was bitten by someone else's dog. At that time, I was wearing thicker pants, but I still had a small wound (a shallow laceration). I rinsed the wound with clean water, and after about an hour, I received a ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is just a superficial wound and currently there are no signs of discomfort or infection. The chance of rabies is very low, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Am I at Risk of Rabies After a Dog Bite Years Ago?


Can You Get Rabies from a Dog's Saliva? Understanding the Risks

Rabies issues Hello doctor, today I encountered a stray dog on the street. It was barking at the dogs near a food stall. I quickly walked past the dog, but I have a small wound on the joint of my right thumb. If the dog's saliva accidentally splashed onto my wound, is there ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, rabies is primarily transmitted through wound infection. If saliva simply splashes on the skin, it will not lead to infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.

[Read More] Can You Get Rabies from a Dog's Saliva? Understanding the Risks


Rabies Vaccination Protocols: Navigating International Requirements

Rabies vaccination for prevention? Hello, Doctor. My niece (a U.S. citizen) will be returning to the U.S. after working in Japan for a year to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine this summer. Recently, she received a notification from her school stating that she must complete ...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Here are the responses: 1. Will the effectiveness of vaccination be affected due to the differences in vaccines used in different locations and the varying intervals between doses? A: Generally, it will not; Taiwan's vaccination schedule consists of five...

[Read More] Rabies Vaccination Protocols: Navigating International Requirements


Understanding Bat Bites: Infection Risks and Testing for Rabies

Hello, I am the original asker of 125792? If you are bitten or scratched by a bat that does not have rabies, does that mean you are not infected and everything is fine? Can the infection be detected during the incubation period? I apologize for asking so many questions and causin...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, in principle, this is the case. If you have any questions, you can directly contact the Centers for Disease Control or consult the 1922 hotline. Thank you!

[Read More] Understanding Bat Bites: Infection Risks and Testing for Rabies


Understanding Rabies: Incubation Period and Testing Options Explained

I am the original asker of 125792? Hello, I am the original questioner 125792. I apologize for wanting to clarify a few questions. I have researched a lot online and also asked the CDC at 1922, which said the incubation period is 1 to 3 months. However, I saw on the Department of...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Regarding the incubation period for rabies?> A: The incubation period is approximately 1 to 3 months, depending on factors such as the severity and location of the wound. <How long does it take for a human to progress from the incubation period to actual...

[Read More] Understanding Rabies: Incubation Period and Testing Options Explained


Bat Encounter: Understanding Neurological Symptoms and Rabies Concerns

Hit by a bat? Last month, on June 18, I was riding my scooter and got hit by a bat. When I got home, I immediately checked myself in the mirror because I remembered it hitting my face, but it seemed like there were no bites or scratches, and no wounds. However, for the past week ...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the incident of being hit by a bat while riding a motorcycle, here is the response: 1. Hendra virus infection was first identified in Hendra, Australia in 1994, and Nipah virus infection was discovered in 1999 in the village of Sungai Nipah, Malaysia. ...

[Read More] Bat Encounter: Understanding Neurological Symptoms and Rabies Concerns


Rabies Exposure Concerns: What Parents Need to Know

Rabies infection issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if my hand came into contact with the saliva of a stray dog and I only washed my hands normally afterward, touching water 2-3 times during that period, and then handled fruit for my child to eat (with my hands touching t...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding the question of whether contact with the saliva of a stray dog could lead to rabies infection after only washing hands normally, touching water 2-3 times, and then cutting fruit for a child (with the hands touching the fruit), especially since the child h...

[Read More] Rabies Exposure Concerns: What Parents Need to Know


Understanding Symptoms: Anxiety vs. Physical Health Concerns

I'm sorry, but the content you provided is not sufficient for Hello, doctor regarding the infection issue from case 108042. I am a resident of Chiayi City who asked a question a few days ago. I have been experiencing a sensation of throat tightness (some discomfort) and occa...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, they do not appear to be consistent with a true rabies infection. It is advisable to relax and manage stress appropriately. If the same symptoms persist, you may seek assistance from a psychiatrist or psychologist. Wishing you a speedy recover...

[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Anxiety vs. Physical Health Concerns


Understanding Rabies Risks and Vaccination Decisions in Taiwan

Regarding infection issues related to case 108042? Hello, regarding the infection issue from case 108042, I am the person from Chiayi City who inquired about rabies-related questions yesterday. So, I don't really need to get vaccinated, right? (Because the risk is low, and I...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Given your condition, it may not be necessary to administer the vaccine, and the attending physician may indeed believe that vaccination is not required. Therefore, self-management is recommended. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Rabies Risks and Vaccination Decisions in Taiwan


Concerns About Possible Animal Bites and Rabies Risk: What to Do?

Infection issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about an incident that happened last Tuesday. While I was riding my motorcycle at a speed of about 30 km/h, I suddenly felt a sharp pain near my right knee. At that moment, I didn't notice anything hitting me, and I don...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Currently, urban areas, including Chiayi City, are not considered rabies-endemic regions, and there have been fewer cases of rabies reported in mountainous areas recently, so the risk is indeed very low. Moreover, without any obvious bite wounds, the likelihood of contracting rab...

[Read More] Concerns About Possible Animal Bites and Rabies Risk: What to Do?


Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes

Floor and shoe sole Hello: I work in a pathology lab where specimens often result in blood or bodily fluids dripping onto the floor. After handling specimens, I walk back to the adjacent office and am concerned that HIV in the bodily fluids on the floor could be brought back to t...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. The following are legally mandated infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact: Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, rabies, anthrax, glanders, leptospirosis, tetanus, neonatal tetanus, scabies, pediculosis, leprosy, cat scratch fever, tularemia, ...

[Read More] Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes


Understanding Rabies Transmission Risks and Vaccination Concerns

Transmission routes of rabies? Hello Doctor, on April 1st, I went to Xitou with a friend. On the way, I felt like something dripped on my hand, but I didn't think much of it at the time. After about an hour, while having a meal, I remembered that this area might be a rabies-...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. First, refer to the explanation from the Centers for Disease Control: Transmission methods: (1) Animals infected with rabies have the virus in their saliva, which can enter the human body through bites or scratches (occasionally through skin wounds or mucous mem...

[Read More] Understanding Rabies Transmission Risks and Vaccination Concerns


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