HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How To Detect Rabies?

I was bitten by something over two weeks ago during sleep outside, and it had two fang-like impressions with a small gash about .75cm long. There was little to no pain, bleeding, or swelling. I worry about bats and small animals now that I am suffering itching sensations and slight tingling two weeks later after the wound has healed. I just chalked it up to the fact that I could have scratched myself when a bug bit me, but now I worry about rabies and that it could have been a bat or some other small rodent. Also, a year ago after sleeping in the same place(on vacation), I had a bloody wound on my ankle after waking up one morning. What are the chances that I could have contracted rabies, and is it too late for prophylaxis after two weeks and two days?
Thu, 30 Apr 2015
Report Abuse
Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hello dear,

Thank you for your contact to health care magic.

I read and understand your concern.

I am Dr Arun Tank answering your concern.

Usually dog bite can cause rabies. Rabies by bats and other animals are rare.

As two weeks is already passed there is no need to worry now. But for the peace of mind you can go for vaccination.

But if you are worrying for the rabies you can start the vaccination after two weeks also.

It will give you protection after this time also.

Please take good care of the wound. Regular dressing and cleaning can help cure the wound early and prevents the infection.

You can take oral antibiotics, analgesics and healing enhancers that can be helpful in the wound healing. You can take this under your doctors guidance.

I will be happy to answer your further concern on bit.ly/DrArun.

Thank you,
Dr Arun Tank
Infectious diseases specialist,
HCM.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Zoonoses


Loading Online Doctors....
How To Detect Rabies?

Hello dear, Thank you for your contact to health care magic. I read and understand your concern. I am Dr Arun Tank answering your concern. Usually dog bite can cause rabies. Rabies by bats and other animals are rare. As two weeks is already passed there is no need to worry now. But for the peace of mind you can go for vaccination. But if you are worrying for the rabies you can start the vaccination after two weeks also. It will give you protection after this time also. Please take good care of the wound. Regular dressing and cleaning can help cure the wound early and prevents the infection. You can take oral antibiotics, analgesics and healing enhancers that can be helpful in the wound healing. You can take this under your doctors guidance. I will be happy to answer your further concern on bit.ly/DrArun. Thank you, Dr Arun Tank Infectious diseases specialist, HCM.