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Is Rabies Vaccination Required After Coming In Contact With Saliva Of Lamb?
Question: Hi, I am really scared that I could have contracted rabies. Last week, I went into our barn. I turned on the light to realize there was a bat on the ground in the doorway. I had flip flops on and don't recall feeling anything. My husband removed the bat. Then the next day we had a lamb that got really sick with neurological issues like drooling, couldn't stand up, etc. we helped her drink and I'm sure got saliva on my skin. I do not know that she had rabies and it was a weekend and we couldn't find anyone to help us. I've been reading about rabies on the internet and am scared that either the bat had rabies and maybe scratched my skin or the sheep did. Should I get the vaccine?
Brief Answer:
Yes vaccination advised.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
I studied your case. There is a confusion as to whether it is due to bat or lamb. So to be on the safer side I suggest you to get the rabies vaccination at day 0,3,7,14 ,28 90. Your lamb died with neurological symptoms so there is a probable risk definitely. So as rabies is a highly morbid condition I suggest you to get the vaccination at earliest. Be cautious in future too.
Take care
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr Sheetal Verma
Yes vaccination advised.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
I studied your case. There is a confusion as to whether it is due to bat or lamb. So to be on the safer side I suggest you to get the rabies vaccination at day 0,3,7,14 ,28 90. Your lamb died with neurological symptoms so there is a probable risk definitely. So as rabies is a highly morbid condition I suggest you to get the vaccination at earliest. Be cautious in future too.
Take care
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr Sheetal Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
I was wondering if I should be concerned that the bat could have scratched me or bit me without me realizing it. I'm not sure the lamb issue was related to a bat. We have bats in the barn, so that is why I even worry about rabies with the lamb. They do have a lot of conditions and infections that can present w neurological symptoms, but I do know I touched her saliva as we were trying to help her drink. She did not bite or leave any marks, so I just wondered how big of a risk that would be.
Brief Answer:
Better to get vaccination if doubts
Detailed Answer:
Hi
See nobody can tell you exactly how much risk is there. As you said bat could have scratched unknowingly so there is a probable risk. In any case to take vaccinations will render you safe and can curb your anxiety also. So I see no harm in taking vaccinations.
Take care
Better to get vaccination if doubts
Detailed Answer:
Hi
See nobody can tell you exactly how much risk is there. As you said bat could have scratched unknowingly so there is a probable risk. In any case to take vaccinations will render you safe and can curb your anxiety also. So I see no harm in taking vaccinations.
Take care
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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