How can rabies be transmitted

Can rabies be transmitted from a touch from someone who was licked by an animal? I held our neighbour’s baby and knowing that they have a lot of unvaccinated cats makes me wonder if her hands may be contaminated and touched my neck which has a rash.

Thomas (by SMS)

Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically through a bite or scratch. It is less likely to be transmitted through contact with saliva on intact skin or through indirect contacts, such as touching an object contaminated with saliva. Rabies is not known to be transmitted through casual contact, such as a touch from someone licked by an animal. The virus needs direct access to the bloodstream or nerve tissues to cause an infection. However, it’s important to note that if the animal that licked the person had rabies and last bit or scratched them, that could pose a risk. Otherwise, you cannot get rabies from touching someone who was licked by an animal suspected to have rabies.

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