Can someone contract rabies after a cat scratch despite being vaccinated?

Question

Hi doctor,

I received three booster doses in one year ago. My thumb was scratched by a cat in the garden but the scratch was the size of a dot but it did not bleed. I have been having tingling sensations in my fingers for some times but I have neck and back problems, also I have a very bad sore throat and cough for two days, and it scared me a lot. The cat behaved normally, was seen three days after the scratch. I also did not receive a vaccination for cat scratch. I got the scratch after the three months of my vaccination also, the vaccinations have previously been exposed.

What is the probability of rabies in me?
What is the probability of contracting rabies from a cat scratch?
How long is the safety of three doses of vaccine and two booster doses in one year?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query,

Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, which is often transmitted to humans through a scratch or bite from an infected cat. While most cases of cat scratch disease are mild and do not require treatment. Some cases may require medical attention. If you are scratched by a cat, It is so important to clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and to apply an antiseptic solution to the wound. If the wound appears to be deep or infected, seek medical attention. There is currently no vaccine available for cat scratch disease. However, there are several steps you can take to prevent the disease:

The risk of contracting rabies from a cat scratch depends on several factors, including whether the cat is infected with the rabies virus and whether the scratch penetrates the skin. While cat scratches can sometimes transmit the rabies virus, the risk of transmission is generally low compared to bites.
If you received a rabies vaccine within the past four months, your risk of contracting rabies from a cat scratch is likely low.
If the cat that scratched you is known to be healthy and up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations, the risk of rabies transmission is even lower. However, if the cat is unknown or unvaccinated, It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Avoid rough play with cats, especially kittens and stray cats. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling cats or cleaning litter boxes.Keep your cat's nails trimmed to reduce the likelihood of scratches. Also,do not allow cats to lick any open wounds or sores.If you are scratched or bitten by a cat, wash the wound immediately with soap and water. By taking these precautions, you can reduce your risk of contracting cat scratch disease.

Please follow up for further assistances.

Thank you.