Hello Doctor,
Could there be a risk of rabies infection if a stray dog rested its head on my knee, and I fed it, allowing it to snatch food from my fingers without breaking the skin or biting me, but potentially getting saliva on my hand, which I then used to eat food without washing?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr.Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Contact with Stray Dog: There is a potential risk of rabies transmission if the stray dog was infected.
Saliva Exposure: Although the dog didn't break the skin, contact with its saliva could pose a risk if the dog is rabid.
Hand-to-Food Contamination: Eating food with the same hand that touched the potentially contaminated area increases the risk of transmission.
Monitor Symptoms: Be vigilant for any unusual symptoms, such as fever, headache, or neurological changes, and seek medical attention if they develop.
Thanks