What if rabid dog saliva gets on my hand and then I touch my face?

Question

If a rabid dog's saliva touches my hand and then with the same hand if I touch my mouth and eyes can I get rabies?

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, this is Dr. Johnson. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I see you are from France, I am in the US. I urge you to contact your Public health department, Doctor or a hospital ASAP if this isn't a hypothetical question. Rabies is life threatening if you contract it. Rabies is a virus that is transmitted from the saliva of an infected dog. In order for the dog to transmit the virus it needs to be in the salivary glands. Once in the salivary glands the animal will usually show signs of rabies with in 10 days. The dog should be quarantined as outlined by your country's laws. But yes, if saliva from a dog with the transmissible stage of rabies, is immediately placed in your mouth or eye you could get rabies. It is transmitted through breaks in the skin and muco-cutaneous surfaces. I urge you to seek medical attention.

What if rabid dog saliva gets on my hand and then I touch my face?

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