Types of exposure to rabies

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Types of exposure to rabies

There are two types of exposure to the rabies virus:

Bite. An animal bite occurs any time your skin has been penetrated by the teeth of an animal. The location of the bite does not change the need for treatment.
Nonbite. Nonbite exposures (which occur when an open cut in the skin or mucous membrane is exposed to the rabies virus) rarely lead to rabies but will need treatment.

Having contact with blood, urine, or droppings (feces) from a rabid animal does not transmit the rabies virus, so no treatment is needed. However, you should always avoid touching or handling wild mammals, especially bats, because of the small chance of a nonbite exposure to the rabies virus. If a bat is found in a room with a sleeping or unconscious person, contact a health professional immediately even if there is no sign of a bite. Children should also be taught to avoid bats and other wild animals whenever possible.

Credits

Author	Amy Fackler, MA
Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology
Last Updated	September 19, 2006

Last updated:	September 19, 2006
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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