Can rabies spread through dog saliva in water?

Question

Hi doctor,

Can rabies be transmitted if a stray dog drooled and had some food fall into water, and also licked the water? For example, if a person walks through this water with a bandage and slippers, or even without a bandage and slippers, within five to ten minutes after? The dog returned three hours later for food and seemed scared when people shouted at it.

I am feeling anxious about rabies, and since the WHO or CDC does not mention water on the street or sidewalk, I am unsure. I only found information about contaminated objects being mentioned.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

No, rabies cannot be transmitted by a stray dog eating food or licking water, as the primary mode of transmission is through the saliva of an infected animal entering a wound or a mucous membrane (like the eyes, nose, or mouth).

The rabies virus is fragile and cannot survive for long outside the host, making indirect transmission through contaminated food or water extremely unlikely. Consuming food or water that a dog has licked is not a means of rabies transmission.

So you cannot get rabies by walking with a bandage through water that a rabid animal has licked because the virus does not survive in water and is not transmitted through objects. Walking without a bandage through water licked by a rabid animal could transmit rabies if the water contaminated with the animal's saliva gets into your broken skin or mucus membranes.

Rabies is spread by the saliva of an infected animal, and the virus can enter the body through bites, scratches, or contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, or open wounds. Thoroughly washing any exposed wounds with soap and water and seeking immediate medical advice are crucial steps after such an exposure.

I hope this answered your questions.

Thank you and regards.