Cases of human rabies cases in the United States are rare, with only 1 to 3 cases reported annually.
What are the chances of getting rabies from a dog scratch?
Even though it is highly unlikely that a human will contract rabies from an animal scratch, it can still happen. The virus that causes rabies is spread through contact with saliva or brain tissue from an animal infected with rabies, but it cannot penetrate unbroken skin.
Who is most at risk for rabies?
Children are often at greatest risk from rabies. They are more likely to be bitten by dogs, and are also more likely to be severely exposed through multiple bites in high-risk sites on the body. Severe exposures make it more difficult to prevent rabies unless access to good medical care is immediately available.
How rare is it to get rabies from a scratch?
Although it is highly unlikely to contract rabies from a scratch, it can still happen. All the virus needs is a point of entry, Resurreccion said, like broken skin. She said, however, that not all dogs or cats infected with rabies show aggression. Initially, there is no way to tell if an animal is infected.
Do all bites cause rabies?
All bites, regardless of body site, represent a potential risk of rabies transmission, but that risk varies with the species of biting animal, the anatomic site of the bite, and the severity of the wound.
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