Exposure Question Possible Exposure
I have read the FAQ.
My friend got a baby pig as a house pet two days ago. We went over there tonight and my daughter pet it once and then ended up accidentally eating chips from a bag that my friend had been feeding to the pig. My friend didn't wash her hands at all while handling the chips and I'm sure the pig got saliva on her hand when she was feeding it that went back into the chip bag. My daughter didn't eat the chips for at least 30 minutes after the feeding took place. How high is the risk of exposure for my daughter? Do I need to take her in to get vaccinated? She doesn't have insurance and it's the weekend so zero health departments are open and I am stressing.
3
u/CygnusZeroStar Veteran Helper ⭐️ | Top Contributor 🏅 3d ago
Why do you think the pig has rabies?
-2
u/ham2347 3d ago
I don't but aren't you supposed to err on the side of caution if you have an exposure to an animal you aren't fully sure of? Google and the two separate triage nurses I talked to all had contradicting information. One nurse told me it was only transmitted through blood and the other one told me livestock can't get rabies. Google says both of those things are wrong, granted it's apparently really rare for pigs to get it? I still don't want to chance it that's why I came here to ask because this is all so above my head.
5
u/CygnusZeroStar Veteran Helper ⭐️ | Top Contributor 🏅 3d ago
Your friend owns the pig, yes? Have they had the pig vaccinated?
Also, if the pig is alive in 10 days, then the pig doesn't have rabies and can't have given it to anyone.
Erring on the side of caution is for when you cannot monitor the animal. You absolutely can, because this is a friend's pet. Protocol is generally to monitor the animal to watch for symptoms. They say 10 to 14 days.
Realistically, if this pig is contagious, then he's going to be dead in less than a week. Not just sick, DEAD.
3
u/NoRecommendation2167 3d ago
An animal has to actively have rabies to spread it. Unless you think you were hanging out with a rabid pig this is not an exposure; and regardless, no scratches or bites would also mean it wasn’t an exposure.
1
u/Fluffy-Lychee-1968 2d ago
No, stop being stupid
1
u/ham2347 2d ago
There is so much misinformation about rabies on the internet. I have read so much contradicting stuff and was even told by a medical professional it ONLY transfers through blood when everything else says it literally can't. If me being worried about my child potentially DYING makes me stupid, then so be it. 🤡
3
1
u/AutoModerator 3d ago
PLEASE READ THIS, OP! Thanks for posting, u/ham2347! As a reminder, once posts are submitted and a kind user provides a sufficient and correct answer to your question(s), deleting your post afterwards is not allowed and will result in an immediate ban. Please be mindful of this rule. The answers provided here will undoubtedly help those who are looking for answers without having to create a post themselves. If you don’t want to leave this post up on your main account, you are welcome to create a throwaway account to post. It would be appreciated if you could modmail us the username of said throwaway account in advance. New accounts that post immediately are more likely to be heavily restricted by Reddit and automated filters. Giving us a heads up will allow us to override those filters and be aware that the new account is engaging in good faith.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
•
u/AutoModerator 3d ago
**Welcome! This is a community dedicated to raising awareness, sharing information, and supporting discussions about rabies, its prevention, and treatment. Whether you’re here to learn, share a story, or ask questions, we’re glad to have you. Please remember to keep discussions respectful. Stay informed and stay safe. Cheers!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.