Resolved question:
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!
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Internal Medicine Specialist
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.