Can a person get rabies from a cat with no symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

I completed my pre-exposure anti-rabies vaccination schedule almost 10 years back and took three booster doses two years back. Accidentally I have got scratches from a diseased cat. The cat has no symptoms of rabies. I am 7 months pregnant and I have taken TT injection. Can you please tell me whether I have to take the post-exposure anti-rabies vaccine now?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If the cat is fine and not likely to have rabies, then the risk of rabies is nil. The anti-rabies vaccination is supposed to have protection for years. The booster dose recently also further enhances its protection. I suggest you measure the antibody titer. If the titers are good there is no need for any further booster doses. If no facility for testing is available also with given risk exposure or vaccination details, further vaccination may not be required. If you are too anxious, then you can consult your doctor for further risk assessment and the need for a further booster dose.

Thank you.