Could Stray Dog Encounter Transmit Rabies?

Published on, 11 April, 2024. Answered by Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul and Verified by Dr.Galen Team
Patient Question

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

 


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About Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul

Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul

Infectious Disease Specialist

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