Can I get rabies in any way other than an animal bite?

Non-bite exposures to rabies are very rare. Scratches, abrasions, open wounds, or mucous membranes contaminated with saliva or other potentially infectious material (such as brain tissue) from a rabid animal constitute non-bite exposures. Occasionally reports of non-bite exposure are such that post-exposure prophylaxis is given.

Inhalation of aerosolized rabies virus is also a potential non-bite route of exposure, but other than laboratory workers, most people are unlikely to encounter an aerosol of rabies virus. Other contact, such as petting a rabid animal or contact with the blood, urine or feces (e.g., guano) of a rabid animal, does not constitute an exposure and is not an indication for prophylaxis.

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1. How do people get rabies?
2. Can I get rabies in any way other than an animal bite?
3. How soon after an exposure should I seek medical attention?
4. What medical attention do I need if I am exposed to rabies?
5. Will the rabies vaccine make me sick?
6. What if I cannot get rabies vaccine on the day I am supposed to get my next dose?
7. Can rabies be transmitted from one person to another?