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Should I Get Vaccinated After Accidentally Steeping On A Dead Racoon?

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Posted on Sat, 30 Jun 2018
Twitter Sat, 30 Jun 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 27 Jan 2022 Last reviewed on
Question : Hello,

I was walking in the woods in New England USA this afternoon. 85F-90F outside temp. I stepped directly on what I believe was a dead racoon laying across the trail. I did not look at it too closely but it was not that greatly decomposed or scavenged (i.e. probably died within last several days). It was flaccid and the skin appeared to be largely intact. I was wearing shoes. I kicked my shoes off a little down the trail because I did not want to track anything from the carcass into my car. Walked the remaining way back barefoot (I was pretty near the car). I plan to recover the shoes with a plastic bag tomorrow. Should I get a rabies vaccination? I am currently uninsured so would rather not if not necessary. I don't expect it to be necessary just thought I would check. I have heard high temperatures kill rabies quickly in dead animals and also I was not bit and I don't believe I had any skin openings and I was wearing shoes until after I stepped on the animal.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You need no vaccination at this time!

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

From the above information, you need no vaccination. The exposure is negligible and warrants no further measures. However, if you love going to the woods, then you truly need to get vaccinated sooner than later.

I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (10 minutes later)
Hi,

Thanks for the re-assurance. Should the shoes be safe to pick up tomorrow?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Sure!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Pick them up. I happy you've been this cautious and certainly nothing would happen.

Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3981 Questions

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Should I Get Vaccinated After Accidentally Steeping On A Dead Racoon?

Brief Answer: You need no vaccination at this time! Detailed Answer: Hi, From the above information, you need no vaccination. The exposure is negligible and warrants no further measures. However, if you love going to the woods, then you truly need to get vaccinated sooner than later. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.