The Virginia Department of Health defines a rabies exposure as “any circumstance where wet saliva or central nervous system tissue from a rabid or suspected rabid animal did have, or may have had, direct contact with mucous membranes or a break in the skin of a domestic animal.” Since the rabies vaccine is not 100% effective, all mammals, including pets, can potentially carry the rabies virus (RABV).
How is rabies transmitted?
- Bite exposure: breaking of the skin by teeth of an animal
- Non-bite exposure: contamination of open wounds, abrasions, mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose), or scratches
Last Updated: July 23, 2024