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How long can the rabies virus survive outside the host?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Can the rabies virus survive outside the host on grass or leaves if it is exposed to sunlight?

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Usually, UV (ultraviolet) rays of the sun are known to kill the virus. So usually they do not survive outside the body when exposed to the sunlight.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

If a rabid animal drools on grass or leaves under sunlight, does it still remain infectious?

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you touch the saliva drooled on grass, it does not cause any infection if there is intact skin. That is, if your hand has no cuts or abrasions, then virus entry into the skin is usually not possible. Please wash your hands well with soap and water.

If saliva is on the grass for a long time in the presence of sunlight, then there is a very low chance of the virus being stable.

I hope this helps you.

Take care.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At November 22, 2018
Reviewed AtOctober 16, 2025

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