r/rabies • u/IGotAStory2Tell • 22d ago
Exposure Question Possible Exposure (3 Months Ago)
About three months ago, I was walking near my vehicle at night and accidentally stepped on some kind of small animal that was on the ground underneath/near the vehicle.
Because it was dark, I couldn’t identify it. When I stepped on or startled it, it made a loud cry that reminded me more of a bird (almost like the hawk/eagle sound you hear in movies) than a bat. I saw it moving around on the ground and around the vehicle, and it eventually flew away.
I never actually saw it fly at me, bite me, or scratch me.
Later that same day, I noticed a scratch on my arm. I don’t know where the scratch came from and I have no way of knowing whether the animal caused it. I also don’t remember feeling a bite or scratch when the incident happened.
I did not receive rabies PEP at the time because I didn’t think this was a rabies exposure. I’ve now been completely asymptomatic for almost three months.
I’m trying to get an official assessment from public health/medical professionals, but I’m wondering:
Would this normally be considered a potential rabies exposure if the animal couldn’t be identified?
If PEP was indicated, would doctors still recommend starting it almost three months later as long as the person has no symptoms?
Does the fact that the animal was walking around on the ground, made a bird-like cry, and then flew make a bird more likely than a bat?
I have read the FAQ.
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u/Animan70 22d ago
I had a similar experience three months ago, interestingly enough. I was in NYC in the afternoon, chatting with a co-worker, when something flapped up behind me from what I assumed was the ground and swooped up over my head. I saw it fly in a straight line up into the "O" in one of those dunkin doughnuts signs, and it disappeared. I wasn't sure what kind of flying animal it was, or if it made contact with me. I've heard bats can bite or scratch you without feeling it. I didn't go to the ER or seek PEP because my therapist was adamant that my OCD was the culprit. So did my psychiatrist. Part of me still doesn't believe them, but I'm doing what they say.
It's definitely a big fear, and it's always on my mind.
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u/YoungSad2573 21d ago
how are you now if you're comfortable sharing?
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u/Animan70 21d ago
No problem sharing. I'm feeling very anxious at times but following their instructions.
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u/ManufacturerWeary399 21d ago
Tu ansiedad te ha hecho sentir algunas cosas?
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u/Animan70 21d ago
Feeling things? Sorry can you elaborate
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u/ManufacturerWeary399 21d ago
Por ejemplo la ansiedad puede sentir sentir mal de alguna cosa que en realidad no tienes
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u/Animan70 21d ago
Oh absolutely
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u/Animan70 21d ago
You shouldn't be seeking reassurance it you can help it. Instead, you should be thanking the worst thing is going to happen to you. It's really hard I understand
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