How Long Does Rabies Virus Survive In The Atmosphere?

Posted on Fri, 25 Mar 2016

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

Fri, 25 Mar 2016 Answered on

Tue, 31 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello sir I want to know how long rabies virus survive in atmosphere?once saliva fall on any object then that type of saliva can be infectious or not?or saliva once fall on object it become inactivated??

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rabies virus can survive for 3-5 sec

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Healthcare Magic,

Rabies virus is highly sensitive to atmospheric air. It can survive for hardly 3-5 mins.

The chance of getting rabies after the virus coming in contact with air will be very very less.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Praveen G (10 hours later)

Sir I have one more question is rabies virus can spread from one object to another?or as soon as we touch another object it neutralises?

Sir in air virus can survive 3-5sec or 3-5 min?

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome back,

No as I have informed you the rabies virus is highly sensitive to air and it will get killed as soon as it come in contact with air.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee