Rabies is transmitted through which of the following?

Rabies is transmitted through which of the following?

• A. Feces from the affected animal
• B. Urine from the affected animal
• C. Saliva from the affected animal
• D. Blood from the affected animal

Answer: (C)

Rabies is transmitted primarily through saliva from an infected animal. The virus replicates in the salivary glands and is shed in the saliva, so it most often spreads when an infected animal bites or when saliva with the virus contacts mucous membranes or broken skin of another animal or person. Feces, urine, or blood are not typical routes for natural rabies transmission, because the virus is not shed in infectious amounts in those fluids in most cases. Understanding this helps explain why bite exposure is the main risk and why protecting contact with saliva—through vaccination and prompt post-exposure care—is crucial.

Rabies is transmitted primarily through saliva from an infected animal. The virus replicates in the salivary glands and is shed in the saliva, so it most often spreads when an infected animal bites or when saliva with the virus contacts mucous membranes or broken skin of another animal or person. Feces, urine, or blood are not typical routes for natural rabies transmission, because the virus is not shed in infectious amounts in those fluids in most cases. Understanding this helps explain why bite exposure is the main risk and why protecting contact with saliva—through vaccination and prompt post-exposure care—is crucial.