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5. "Can rabies appear after 3 years of monkey bite?"
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Infectious Illnesses
Question #10233
97 days ago
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5. "Can rabies appear after 3 years of monkey bite?" - #10233

Praveen

Hello doctor,I have health anxiety. I was bitten by a monkey 3 years ago, and the government hospital here gave me 3 doses of the rabies vaccine in the gluteal (buttock) area through intramuscular injection. But now I feel very worried. I read somewhere that the rabies vaccine is not very effective when given in that area. I also read that rabies can have an incubation period of up to 6 years. That’s why I’m scared that maybe the vaccine didn’t work properly.

Age: 22
Chronic illnesses: Rabies phobia
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Doctors’ responses

Rabies can indeed have a long incubation period in some cases, although most commonly the disease manifests within a few weeks to months after exposure. Still, your concern about the location of the vaccine administration is quite valid because the World Health Organization recommends the vaccine be given in the deltoid region of the arm, or in the thigh for infants. The gluteal region is generally avoided as the fat content can affect absorption, weakening its efficacy. However, it’s equally important to note that you were given the recommended series of vaccine doses. In practice, if you had no rabies symptoms three years post-exposure, it’s very unlikely you would develop rabies related to that incident. Rabies symptoms typically start with fever, headache, and general weakness, progressing to neurological signs and eventually becoming fatal once they appear. The absence of these over such a long period is reassuring, but your health anxiety is understandable. It might be helpful for you to consult with an infectious disease specialist or have a discussion with your general practitioner for peace of mind. They could potentially arrange for serological testing to assess your current immunity status, or possibly offer a booster dose if needed, which is a standard precautionary measure in some cases. The key point is not to panic, since the risk is minimal at this juncture. In any case, prioritizing mental health and addressing anxiety through counseling or therapy can be beneficial alongside consulting your healthcare provider to address any lingering worries.

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