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Can Rabies Be Transmitted Through A Raccoon Bite?
Posted on
Sun, 7 May 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 7 May 2017
Answered on
Thu, 25 May 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I will preface this question with admitting i can be a hypochondriac at times. I was moving a raccoon in a trap a few days ago, other than it being distressed at the fact it was in a cage it was relatively calm. There was no aggression , hissing or overly aggressive behavior displayed. When released it scampered quickly into the woods. 5 or 6 miniutes after this exchange I was pulling some vines out of a shrub when I noticed some moisture under/ near my eye that my overactive imagination began to speculate was somehow saliva from this racoon and not the more logical conclusion of some morning dew off the plants I was working on. Having a history of over reaction I have reached out to a therapist to Persue the mental health aspect of this encounter rather than a post exposure route. I fear to even VP tact advice from a health department as a in simply a over abundance of caution in a litigious society that would say get medical treatment. Just looking for some peace of mind.
Brief Answer:
No reason to get worried at this time!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.
I have reviewed your information fully. Am not not the least worried that you could have contracted rabbits from this encounter. While raccoons do transmit rabbits, the encounter and surrounding circumstances do not raise any major red flags. I will suggest that you stay calm and avoid getting unnecessarily worried about this.
If you are not yet fully vaccinated against rabies and you do come in contact with bats, raccoons, dogs, etc., I kindly suggest that you get the vaccine series against rabies: 3 vaccines over a month.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be. Hope you are reassured on your worries as well.
No reason to get worried at this time!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.
I have reviewed your information fully. Am not not the least worried that you could have contracted rabbits from this encounter. While raccoons do transmit rabbits, the encounter and surrounding circumstances do not raise any major red flags. I will suggest that you stay calm and avoid getting unnecessarily worried about this.
If you are not yet fully vaccinated against rabies and you do come in contact with bats, raccoons, dogs, etc., I kindly suggest that you get the vaccine series against rabies: 3 vaccines over a month.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be. Hope you are reassured on your worries as well.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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