Non-bite rabies exposure

A bite is not the only possible route. Saliva from a potentially rabid mammal may pose a risk if it touches an open wound, a scratch that has broken the skin, or the moist lining of the eyes, mouth, or nose. Simply seeing an animal, touching its fur, or touching intact skin is not the same type of contact. Risk depends on the animal, where the contact occurred, its behaviour and health, and whether it can be observed or tested.

Wash the exposed area immediately with plenty of soap and running water, taking care not to scrub an eye. If saliva entered an eye or mouth, rinse with clean water. Do not wait for symptoms. Contact an emergency service or public-health clinician promptly for a rabies risk assessment. They may recommend rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, which can include vaccination and other treatment depending on the exposure and your previous vaccination history.

Seek urgent medical advice after any possible saliva contact with broken skin or a mucous membrane, especially from a stray, wild, or unavailable animal. Do not wait for tingling, fever, swallowing difficulty, or other symptoms; once illness develops, rabies is a medical emergency.

What animal was involved, where and when did contact happen, and did saliva touch broken skin or the eyes, mouth, or nose? Can the animal be safely observed? Have I had rabies vaccination before, and do I need post-exposure treatment?