I'm super worried and need some clarity. So back in 2001-2002, I got bitten by a dog but didnt get any vaccines then. Jumping ahead 5-6 years later, I started getting anxious about it and took 3 rabies vaccines in 2008. Since then, Ive had a total of 12 rabies vaccines between 2008 and 2012, taking them post-exposure. Does that mean I'm still at risk of rabies in the future because I took the vaccines late? Also, last year I went to a mela and had dinner at a hotel where the food was kept on the floor in a container. Later, I started stressing out about whether a dog might have eaten that food too. I've heard rabies has an incubation period of 1-3 months. Im past 67 months now, so is there still a risk? Some people suggest getting tests like the Nuchal biopsy Rabies Antibody test. This is all overwhelming, and I could really use some advice.

Dr Kareemulla Shaik

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 0+ Yrs

Consult Now

Given your concerns, I'll provide a detailed response to help alleviate your worries.

(i) Dog bite in 20012002 and subsequent vaccinations

You received a dog bite in 20012002 but didn't receive immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Later, between 2008-2012, you received a total of 12 rabies vaccinations.

The risk of developing rabies in this scenario is extremely low.

Multiple factors contribute to this assessment:

1. Time elapsed: The dog bite occurred over 20 years ago, and you've received multiple vaccinations since then.
2. Vaccination regimen: You've completed a series of vaccinations, which provides robust immunity against rabies.
3. Immune system response: Your immune system has likely developed a strong response to the vaccinations, further reducing the risk of developing rabies.

(ii) Concerns about food exposure at a hotel

You're worried that a dog might have contaminated the food you ate at a hotel. Even if a dog had come into contact with the food, the risk of transmitting rabies through contaminated food is extremely low.

Key points to consider:

1. Rabies transmission: Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. Indirect transmission through contaminated food or surfaces is highly unlikely.
2. Incubation period: The incubation period for rabies is typically between 2-10 weeks, with most cases occurring within 2-3 months. Since you've already passed the 6-7 month mark, the risk of developing rabies from this incident is negligible.
3. Testing and diagnosis: Nuchal biopsy and rabies antibody tests are typically used to diagnose rabies in symptomatic individuals. Given your asymptomatic status and the low risk of exposure, these tests are unlikely to provide any valuable information.

Answered 04/07/2025