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What should you know about squirrels carry rabies?

How the structures involved in Rabies differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Rabies differ from normal

Short answer

Squirrels can carry rabies in exceptional circumstances, so a skin-breaking bite or saliva exposure should be assessed promptly.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Main route
Infected saliva must reach broken skin or mucous tissue.
Animal status
Unusual behaviour changes the assessment.
Do first
Wash the area and arrange prompt advice.

What carrying rabies means

Rabies is an infection that can pass in saliva from an infected mammal. Squirrels are generally considered a low-concern animal, yet the assessment changes if the squirrel was acting strangely, appeared ill, or was found in a region where rabies occurs. Contact without a bite, scratch, or saliva reaching vulnerable tissue does not usually create the same exposure pathway. Separate from rabies, any broken skin can develop a bacterial infection.

Steps after a possible exposure

Rinse and wash the affected area carefully with soap and running water, then cover it lightly. Do not pick up the squirrel or try to arrange testing yourself. Note the animal’s appearance, the exact contact, and the time and place. Seek prompt medical advice so a clinician can inspect the wound, review tetanus protection, and decide whether rabies prevention is needed.

When to seek care

Get same-day care after a bite, a scratch that breaks the skin, or saliva contact with an eye, mouth, or open cut. Emergency help is appropriate for uncontrolled bleeding, loss of feeling, trouble moving the affected area, or a deep facial or hand wound. Arrange review if increasing redness, swelling, heat, discharge, pain, or fever suggests infection. Ask about [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/) without waiting for symptoms.

Questions for your doctor

Ask which details affect the exposure decision, whether the wound needs additional treatment, and whether [Rabies Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/rabies-vaccination/) is appropriate.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can squirrels carry rabies?

They can, although squirrels are a low-concern source in many settings; the contact and local context still matter.

Should I wait for symptoms?

No. Rabies prevention decisions are made after exposure, before symptoms appear.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.