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Chances of getting RABIES by walking past dead animal.

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Hi there!

I was taking a walk the other day and happened to walk past a dead animal, off to the side on the grass. I don't think I stepped on anything and I didn't see any obvious remains on the path, but when I got home I took off my sandals and washed my feet, just in case something splattered on my toes with out me noticing. I then noticed I had a small cut on my hand. Is there any chance of rabies from this encounter?

I also then proceeded (about 1.5 days later) to pick up those shoes with a cut on my hand. Any risk from that?

I don't know why, but I am very worried. Thanks!

Category: Internal Medicine Specialist

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Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy
Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
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Expert:  Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy
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Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
The only way rabies can be transmitted is by direct contact with the rabies virus through a bite, or a scratch which exposes the mucous membrane.
Also, rabies virus does not survive outside the body once the animal is dead. This is also true for other viruses. So, you should not worry about rabies being transmitted from the dead animal.
I can assure you, there is no chance of you getting rabies.
Only if there was a bite or a scratch, I would have asked you to go for the post-exposure prophylaxis treatment.
Hope this was helpful,
Feel free to discuss further,
Regards.

Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy
Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
Experience: 
MBBS from Sri Ramachandra University in December 2011
M.Med (Family Medicine) - TNMGR University, Chennai
MBA-MPH in Public Health in March 2016, SRM University
Finished AFIH in March 2016, SRM University
MRCP ( UK ), Internal Medicine, Royal College of Physicians, June 2016
Fellowship in Diabetology from Martin Luther University in January 2017

Currently Resident Physician, in MD Radiodiagnosis - Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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