Is rabies only contracted through bites from dogs that are already showing symptoms of the disease?

Rabies is not only contracted from being bitten by a dog showing symptoms of the disease; it is also possible to get rabies from bites or scratches caused by ordinary cats, dogs, or other animals.

Typically, the rabies virus exists in certain animals such as dogs, cats, rats, and hedgehogs. Therefore, if you are accidentally bitten or scratched by an animal carrying the rabies virus during daily life, regardless of whether the animal shows symptoms, as long as the skin is broken or damaged and bleeding occurs, the virus may enter the bloodstream and cause rabies infection. Thus, rabies can be contracted not only from bites by visibly sick dogs.

If bitten by an animal, it is recommended to thoroughly wash the wound with running water and soap solution, and promptly receive rabies vaccination to prevent the onset of rabies.