Table. Lyssavirus exposure categories

Exposure category	Description	Post-exposure prophylaxis management
Category I: no exposure	Touching or feeding animals Animal licks on intact skin Exposure to animal blood, urine or faeces	No prophylaxis required if contact history is reliable
Category II: exposure	Nibbling of uncovered skin Minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding	See the following, depending on the circumstances: Figure. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis: terrestrial animal exposures Figure. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis: bat exposures Table. Completing rabies post-exposure prophylaxis in Australia that started overseas
Category III: severe exposure	Single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches Contamination of mucous membrane or broken skin with saliva from animal licks Exposures due to direct contact with bats	See the following, depending on the circumstances: Figure. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis: terrestrial animal exposures Figure. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis: bat exposures Table. Completing rabies post-exposure prophylaxis in Australia that started overseas

Exposure category

Description

Post-exposure prophylaxis management

Category I: no exposure

No prophylaxis required if contact history is reliable

Category II: exposure

See the following, depending on the circumstances:

Category III: severe exposure

See the following, depending on the circumstances:

Page history

Last updated

27 September 2021

Last reviewed

27 September 2021