Can Rabies Be Contracted By Using A Toothbrush That Has Come In Contact With A Stray Cat's Food Bowl?

Posted on Thu, 10 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 10 May 2018 Answered on

Thu, 9 Nov 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My 20 month old daughter fell down n bit her lip which resulted in mild bleeding. To pacify her my husband gave her a tooth brush which she immediately put in mouth.. I fear that the toothbrush would have come in contact with a stray cat's bowl which my mother puts in the wash basin sink for cleaning. Im wondering what if the toothbrush fell in the cat's bowl and then someone had placed it back in the stand. Im just guessing if there is a possibility of rabies transmission via this route. Lets assume the brush fell in the cats bowl before a couple of days.. can rabies virus be alive in such moist environment for more than a couple of days? She has been previously vaccinated with four doses of rabipur before 7 months? Will she have enough immunity?...

Answered by Dr. Dr. Nagamani N.G (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Just relax

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting the query.

Any virus can't stay outside the body environment. There is no chance of transmission of rabies by tooth brush which u assume would have fell in cat's bowl. And as you have vaccinated her with rabipure then still the assurance is doubled. Don't worry much. Vaccinate your cat .

Any issue do follow up.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Nagamani N.G (10 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply.. that's a stray cat but i would try vaccinating it... can post prophylaxis vaccines provide immunity for atleast a year? My pediatrician says it is good for a year.. will the immunity be present in a 20 month old baby for a year long?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Nagamani N.G (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Yes the immunity will stay for a year. You be relaxed do not worry much.

any issue do follow up.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Nagamani N.G (46 hours later)

As far as i read adults need two booster doses irrespective of the duration between primary immuization and subsequent exposure.. is it different for kids? My pediatrician says rabies isnt a routine vaccine n it ll have serious side effects on kids.. I am a paranoid mother who overthinks and pls bare with me.. I understand that in my case the exposure is unlikely but even if there was a bite exposure, my daughter wouldnt need booster doses?? Wouldn't her antibody levels drop wit time?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Nagamani N.G (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No don't worry

Detailed Answer:
No don't worry

Yes even if booster dose is not given in kids they'll be protected against rabies.

Don't be too much bothered.

Any issue do follow up.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng