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Rabies - Nonbite Question

Hello All!

I come with a rather strange situation and am hoping to receive some advice! I just got back from a 3.5 week stint in Africa. During the first week I encountered the neighbors dog, a regular of the area and the program I was with, who promptly came up to me (i was sitting on the ground playing with a child) and landed a big slobbery wet one on my cheek and then, to my dismay, right in my mouth.

I was told the dog was well known and it certainly wasn't displaying signs of rabies but I never found out if it had had a rabies shot. I didn't think much about it because I had always thought it had to be contracted from a bite.

I am now learning this is incorrect and I am in a bit of a panic.

Should I pursue treatment? Is it too late? What is the likelihood of contraction? Has this ever happened before?

Please respond to the best of your knowledge, no "go to the ERs" please. I'd like an explanation and the like.

Thanks!
Hotslinky
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Avatar universal
Since you have concerns, I would recommend getting the rabies series.
Helpful - 0
389974 tn?1331015242
There isn't a yes or no answer. the CDC recommends evaluation of different criteria to decide if treatment for rabies is appropriate.

Here is a summary of the CDC recommendations. Based on a quick read, it seems that the type of exposure you had carries a very low risk, but not zero.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00056176.htm

There are other diseases besides rabies that are a possibility. If you see a doctor for any reason, be sure to mention your travel and this incident.
Helpful - 0
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