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Can Rabies Be Transmitted Through A Paper Cut Wound?
Posted on
Wed, 23 Dec 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 23 Dec 2015
Answered on
Tue, 12 Jan 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I bought a used book yesterday that has bite marks on it and was wet at some point in time (from saliva I assume) but appears to be dry now. Yesterday, I got a fairly deep paper cut from the book. I didn't wash the cut but I did put rubbing alcohol on it. The book appears to be dry with no mold but some pages were partially stuck together. Now I am concerned about possibly being exposed to rabies. Do I have anything to worry about?
Brief Answer:
perhaps...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the rabies virus is not a very hardy one and won't survive for long. How much it will survive may depend on various factors including temperature, humidity, etc. In many cases the expected lifespan won't exceed 1 day (less than 24 hours) but it may survive for even a week (under ideal conditions). Getting into contact with saliva from an infected source may transmit rabies to you if it touches your mucosal surfaces or surpasses the skin through a cut.
So if you've had the book for more than 1 day, the chances of getting infected (if a rabid animal had left saliva on it) are very dim. Otherwise post exposure prophylaxis might be required.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
perhaps...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the rabies virus is not a very hardy one and won't survive for long. How much it will survive may depend on various factors including temperature, humidity, etc. In many cases the expected lifespan won't exceed 1 day (less than 24 hours) but it may survive for even a week (under ideal conditions). Getting into contact with saliva from an infected source may transmit rabies to you if it touches your mucosal surfaces or surpasses the skin through a cut.
So if you've had the book for more than 1 day, the chances of getting infected (if a rabid animal had left saliva on it) are very dim. Otherwise post exposure prophylaxis might be required.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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