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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:
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:

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Related diseases
Rabies and other lyssaviruses

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