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What Should Be Done After Scratch By A Wild Monkey?

Posted on Tue, 9 Jun 2015

Question: Hello, I am traveling in Bali and a wild monkey jumped on my back 2 days ago to snatch my glasses. He jumped off and in the process, scratched the back of my neck. It is a very small scratch, less than an inch. And I didn't notice any blood, but cannot be sure about his as I didn't notice the scratch until later that day. I am worried about the possibility of rabies? I am reading conflicting messages online. Some say to not worry as it wasn't a bite - and that there are no chance Of rabies. But other sites say scratches can also lead to rabies and to get shots right away and not to risk infection. It seems like a lot of people have been scratched by monkeys in Bali and most seem to have gotten shots just in case. But I don't want to do this if it is deemed completely unecesary (but don't want to risk any future problems and wish I had just gone the safe route originally) Please advise! Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get vaccinated.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
Hi, I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
Monkey's are also known to carry rabies virus and there are cases of transmission of rabies through monkey's to human.
The scratch by a monkey with no blood contact is considered as low risk. However, since rabies is 100% fatal, we can't afford to take this low risk also.
In my opinion, you should get vaccinated.
Prevention is always better then cure.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any other query, you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (2 hours later)

Thank you for your reply. I read that you need to be vaccinated within 24 hrs of the infection for it to be effective. Is this true? It has been more than 48 hrs since the monkey incident and by the time I am able to see a doctor, it will most likely be another day. Is there a point to get the vaccination?

I understand that even if there is a 1% chance, it is better to be safe than sorry later. But due to budget/time restraints, I was hoping to hear there is no chance of rabies through a small/shallow scratch...

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Chances are low but there.

Detailed Answer:
Hi. Ideally vaccine should be given with in 24 hours but we still give it whenever patient comes to us.
I am saying that chances are very less, but still are there!
So it's always better to be sure.
You life is more precious them money and time. Go to the nearest health care facility and get rabies and tetanus shot. Remaining shuts you can take at your hometown.
Good luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (15 hours later)

Thank you!

I've had a tetanus shot a few months ago. So would I need another? Or just the rabies shot?

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Just rabies shot.

Detailed Answer:
Hi. If you has tetanus shot in last 6 months then it's not required. Just take rabies shot. But If you are not sure about the time when you had got the tetanus shot , get it along with rabies vaccination.
Good luck.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar