Updated March 05, 2015.
Q. I want to know about rabies infections. My son aged 8 yrs, while playing threw a ball which was caught by a street dog in its mouth and left on the ground. My son took this ball in his hands and continued playing. Any risk of rabies? The dog died within three days. Bhopal, India
A. Canine rabies is still highly endemic in India, so it is good to be concerned.
In the United States, in addition to domesticated cats and dogs, the most common wild animals that are reservoirs of rabies include raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes.
And according to the CDC, "people usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound."
The CDC also states that "non-bite exposures to rabies are very rare. Scratches, abrasions, open wounds, or mucous membranes contaminated with saliva or other potentially infectious material (such as brain tissue) from a rabid animal constitute non-bite exposures. Occasionally reports of non-bite exposure are such that postexposure prophylaxis is given."
Did your child have any cuts or abrasions on his hands? If so, that would increase his risk of getting rabies if the dog had it.
Was the dog tested for rabies? Since the dog died, if testing is available in your area, its brain tissue can be tested for rabies. If the dog was sick, but still alive, it could be quarantined and observed for symptoms of rabies.
Since there is a risk, even if it is rare, to get rabies this way, your child should likely see a doctor and you should see if the dog can be tested for rabies.
If the dog can't be tested, or if he tests positive, then you can talk to your doctor about anti-rabies prophylaxis.
Q. I want to know about rabies infections. My son aged 8 yrs, while playing threw a ball which was caught by a street dog in its mouth and left on the ground. My son took this ball in his hands and continued playing. Any risk of rabies? The dog died within three days. Bhopal, India
A. Canine rabies is still highly endemic in India, so it is good to be concerned.
In the United States, in addition to domesticated cats and dogs, the most common wild animals that are reservoirs of rabies include raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes.
And according to the CDC, "people usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound."
The CDC also states that "non-bite exposures to rabies are very rare. Scratches, abrasions, open wounds, or mucous membranes contaminated with saliva or other potentially infectious material (such as brain tissue) from a rabid animal constitute non-bite exposures. Occasionally reports of non-bite exposure are such that postexposure prophylaxis is given."
Did your child have any cuts or abrasions on his hands? If so, that would increase his risk of getting rabies if the dog had it.
Was the dog tested for rabies? Since the dog died, if testing is available in your area, its brain tissue can be tested for rabies. If the dog was sick, but still alive, it could be quarantined and observed for symptoms of rabies.
Since there is a risk, even if it is rare, to get rabies this way, your child should likely see a doctor and you should see if the dog can be tested for rabies.
If the dog can't be tested, or if he tests positive, then you can talk to your doctor about anti-rabies prophylaxis.