Rabies Non-Bite Exposure

Hello,

Basically the title says it all, I had a non-bite rabies exposure and now I’m worried. So on Monday I find that my dog has killed a skunk in my backyard. Out of caution I called our local health dept. and they wanted to test it for rabies. My dog was up to date on his rabies shot and again out of caution I took her to my vet to just get a booster shot as directed by the health dept.

Two days later I get a call from the health dept. advising me that the skunk did in fact test positive for rabies. They said that since my dog had already had his shots there was no danger and everything would be fine. My concern to them was my limited exposure not only to the animal but also being around my dog since then.

I was the one who carefully picked up the dead skunk (gloves on of course) and put it in a bag and drove it to the health dept. for testing. Not really concerned about that part, it’s the part knowing that I was around my dog immediately after she killed the skunk. Anyone who has dogs know that you get their saliva on you even when your not getting kisses from them. My dog had that skunk smell around her muzzle but nowhere else. I can’t remember precisly but in the past few days I know she has gotten her saliva on me just through general contact, and like any of us I have small knicks and cuts on my body that it could have come into contact with.

I told my concerns to the nurse at the health dept. but she said this was considered a low risk exposure and I did not have to seek any medical attention or get the shots. Ever since my anxiety has been very high about this, thinking I may have contracted rabies etc. I have an appt. with my family doctor today to express my concerns but it has already been four days since the incident.

Any insight or advice would be helpful, thank you.....

Well I went to my doctors appointment and she assured me I have nothing to worry about. He said it should have been explained to me better by the staff at the health dept.

I am feeling much better and I have great trust in my doctor, I’m very lucky to have a doctor like her.