Do I need a rabies vaccine if a cat touched my thumb?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Actually, more than 10 months ago, my aunt's pet cat's tooth touched my thumb when I picked him up, but that touch did not cause any scratch or wound, and also, blood did not come out.
The cat is still alive, but I am fearful of rabies, so I just wanted to know if I need a rabies vaccine now. Also, another thing that happened to me today, four days back at night when I was returning to my home, there was a pack of dogs sitting near some garbage, and as I was walking through that place, two kids were going on a cycle, and one kid provoked the dog by giving a gesture of kicking to the dog, in response to which the dog started barking at him and also barked at me, and the dog was near to me. So, do I need a rabies vaccine in this case?
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Based on what you described, you do not need a rabies vaccine in either situation. In the first incident with your aunt’s pet cat more than 10 months ago, there was no bite, no scratch, no break in the skin, and no bleeding.
Rabies is transmitted only when saliva from a rabid animal enters broken skin or mucous membranes. Simple contact or a tooth touching intact skin does not transmit rabies. In addition, the cat is still alive and healthy after many months, which by itself completely rules out rabies transmission from that event, because animals that transmit rabies become sick and die within a short period.
In the second situation, four days back, the dogs only barked at you and did not bite, scratch, or make contact with broken skin. Barking, chasing, or being close to dogs without physical injury does not carry any rabies risk. Rabies vaccination is only indicated after an actual exposure, such as a bite, scratch that breaks the skin, or saliva contacting an open wound or mucosa.
Given your history, there is no exposure, no risk, and no need for a rabies vaccine or immunoglobulin. Your fear is understandable, but medically, these events are considered non-exposure, and you can be reassured.
I hope this helps.
Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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