Is Anti-rabies Vaccination Required For A Monkey Scratch On The Leg?

Posted on Sat, 25 Jun 2016

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

Sat, 25 Jun 2016 Answered on

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My son of 8 years old got a monkey nail scratch on his leg with jeans on. Does he need any treatment? There is no wound, its just a minor XXXXXXX I have heard that rabies is transmitted by saliva only.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vaccination not required

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Can understand your concerns.

Rabies spreads through bite of dog, monkey, cat or wild rat. It usually spreads through saliva.

In your child, it's a minor scratch with nail of monkey with jeans on. In my opinion, there is no need to give antirabies vaccine for this.

You should apply any antiseptic cream over it.

I hope this will help you.
Wishing your child good health.
Take care.

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