Can you get rabies if you touch a raccoon, or its saliva?

Answer 1

Only if it has rabies. Even then it needs a point of entry, a cut or contact with mucus membranes. So if you touch a rabid racoon that has been licking itself and you then lick your hand a very very small chance.

Answer 2

If the saliva enters an open wound it's possible. Raccoons may carry (and transmit) rabies over a long period of time, in contrast to dogs who rapidly become ill and die.

Rabies is quite prevalent in raccoons. Also, for the past 25 years, many if not most persons who have contacted rabies in the United States have not reported a bite from an animal at risk.

Some authorities believe that any close contact with a raccoon or with a bat is cause to get the rabies vaccine. The rabies vaccine is no longer as painful as it once was: it is very safe, and 4 or 5 (I forget) shots should do it.

While on the subject of raccoons, stay away from their feces, too. They carry a nasty roundworm potentially fatal to humans.

Answer 3

nope. the same effect on AIDS. if you touch the blood or tool that touched the blood, you wont get infected. However, its a bit difference in this case. Rabies can travel in saliva and so as long u dont cut yourself and touch the wound you'll be safe. But just stay away from racoons and rats. You usually could tell an animal with rabies.

Answer 4

If the coon has rabies you probably wouldnt be able to touch it . Also only the saliva can give it to you or a scratch or bite

Answer 5

lol. No, only if you drink it's saliva (not very likely) or in most cases, if it bites you and the bacteria enters your blood stream. But you can only get it if the racoon has rabies.

Answer 6

inly if it bites or scratches you to a point where it breaks skin...and if it even has rabies...but if you were you should see a doc. now and report it...animal control

Answer 7

The best thing to do is to wear a pair of latex gloves.

Answer 8

no, as long as you don't bleed