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Can A Scratch By A Rat Cause Rabies?

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Posted on Tue, 27 Sep 2016
Question: Hi,
Is this rat scratch cause rabies? I am breastfeeding mom. I already put a TT injection on my 6th month of pregnancy. Rat is scratched on my thigh. It looks like a white line. No blood, no pain in the scratch. Please help me to relax about my body condition.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.

Would you please clarify a few things for me?
- was there any open wound on your leg?
-are you sure that the rat scratched and did not bite you?
- at the time of the scratch, was there any broken skin or just a white line as you mentioned?


Based on your query, rabies infection is highly unlikely
The virus, commonly present in dogs can also be present in other animals. It is however transmitted through contamination with their saliva.

I recommend :
-washing and clean the area with soap and water.
-visit you OBGYN just to make sure it is fine and won't get Infected.
If there is not wound no need to worry and your last TT shot is enough.
Hope this helps

Please make sure you contact pest control to get rid of all the rats, especially with a small baby at home

With best wishes for good health.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (39 minutes later)
hi mam,
There is no open wound, it is a scratch not a bite. It displays as white line. After the rat scratch, till now 48 days. I'm having high bp after 35 days of scratch. I'm taking labetalol tablet for bp. It reduces my bp. But it produces rashes and itching all over body after taking the tablet. May I continue the bp tablet?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Medications may need to be changed. Please consult your doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up.

*have you consulted your doctor about the side effects you are me facing?
*do you have water retention /swelling in your feet or face?
*is your urine normal? In quantity?
*do you take any other medications?

If it is very severe, I recommend that you consult your doctor for a change in medications. There are other safe medications while breastfeeding.
Sometimes, hormonal imbalances can cause itching as well.

Please do not stop or change medications without Consulting your doctor first.

In regards to the scratch, there is nothing to worry about anymore.
Hope this helps.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (2 days later)
Hi,
My doctor suggests winolap5, alzol for itching. But it is not useful. I don't know the reason for itching all over body. Is this spread to my baby? Please help me to avoid spreading to my baby.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Need clarifications

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up.

Please allow me to try and help you.
First, could you tell me how it started?
*any rashes or skin problems? Like dry skin or pimples.
*where all does it itch exactly? On arms or body? Are there any places where it doesn't itch?
*does it itch only occasionally or all the time?
*does it wake you up from sleep?
*what has your doctor said about the itching?
*have you consulted a dermatologist?
*any yellow discoloration to your skin, eye or breast milk?
*have you changed any personal care products like soap, shampoos, oil, powder, deodorant? Or detergents/conditioners
*have you changed your diet in anyway? Added any new food items or taking any supplements?
*is your bathwater high in chlorine?

Don't worry, your description of it does not seem contagious and is unlikely to spread to your baby.

Please get back to me with detailed answers for the above questions, so that I may help you further.
High resolution photos of affected skin will be helpful.

In the meantime, avoid harsh chemicals on skin. Use pure Virgin coconut oil and glycerine soap. Bathe in cool or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water.
Apply little coconut oil on affected areas.
Calamine lotion with aloe Vera (calosoft) may help relieve itching.
Stay in cool environment and drink plenty of water.

Hope this helps.
Waiting to hear back from you,
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shuba hariprasad

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 1087 Questions

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Can A Scratch By A Rat Cause Rabies?

Brief Answer: Nothing to worry Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for your query. Would you please clarify a few things for me? - was there any open wound on your leg? -are you sure that the rat scratched and did not bite you? - at the time of the scratch, was there any broken skin or just a white line as you mentioned? Based on your query, rabies infection is highly unlikely The virus, commonly present in dogs can also be present in other animals. It is however transmitted through contamination with their saliva. I recommend : -washing and clean the area with soap and water. -visit you OBGYN just to make sure it is fine and won't get Infected. If there is not wound no need to worry and your last TT shot is enough. Hope this helps Please make sure you contact pest control to get rid of all the rats, especially with a small baby at home With best wishes for good health. Regards, Dr. Shuba Hariprasad