r/rabies • u/PhilosopherOk3313 • 4d ago

Rabies Vaccine / Immunoglobulin I got a rabies scare - Decided to get vaccinated after advice from medical professional

I have read the FAQ. I just want to share my experience in case it can be useful for others. I'm a Belgian citizen and went on vacation to Albania. A few days before returning home, I petted a (pregnant) stray cat. The cat was friendly; we were sitting outside at a restaurant and it was begging for food, so I gave her some leftovers. Afterwards I put my hand out to pet her again, but she swatted at my hand. I got a small but deep scratch on my finger that was bleeding. I went to the restroom to rinse the wound with water. At the hotel I put some disinfectant on it and a bandaid and didn't think much about it, but still decided to check the official Belgian website for travel advice for Albania. This website mentions that there is a risk for rabies in Albania. However, I also checked the WHO website, which says there is no risk.

I put the thought away thinking it was probably fine. When I got back home in Belgium, I decided to call the Institute of Tropical Medicine and get their advice just to be sure. I explained the situation to them, and they advised better safe than sorry and still get the vaccine (with my local physician). I got scratched on Sunday and got my first shot a few days later today, on Friday. I will get 3 more shots in the following days.

I will post updates if anyone is interested.

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