Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Rabies exposure inquiry
When we walk along roads where stray dogs are barking, small droplets of saliva might come out while they bark. If those saliva droplets happen to fall into someone’s eyes or touch chapped/cracked lips, would that situation be considered a rabies exposure or not?
Answers (14)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
No risk
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+115
Fresh saliva from a Rabid animal to the eyes, nose, mouth or into a fresh break in the skin constitutes a rabies exposure. Rabid dogs act strangely like unusually aggressive or unsteady. This scenario you mentioned technically is of exposure, but Transmission through small airborne droplets without a direct lick or bite is extremely rare. Most human get rabies from direct bites. The rabies virus is fragile and dies quickly when exposed to air, sunlight, or drying. For an infection to occur the saliva must be fresh and moist.
Next Steps
If you can safely see the dog again, monitor it. If it is still alive and healthy 10 days after the incident, it was not capable of spreading rabies when it barked at you.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed discussion
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
No its not exposure.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Mucosa exposure might spread rabies..
But possible only when stray dog is rabies positive
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
This is not considered a rabies exposure.
Rabies spreads through direct bite/scratch or saliva entering fresh wound/mucosa in significant amount—not from casual droplets in air.
So no vaccine needed in this situation.
If there is a clear lick on open wound/eyes or bite, then risk changes. Otherwise you’re safe.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Do consult
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Depends on the circumstances.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If skin is not broken, then no risk.but saliva drop in eye then you need to go for vaccination. Don't take risk .
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Rachna Pande
Internal Medicine
42 yrs exp
Bhopal
No.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Hyderabad
No
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Unlikely if on intact skin
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.