Can rabies virus survive in water of closed water bottles for long periods of time, like suppose if someone drinks that water after 6-7 hours also, then is pep required for that person?

Dr. Subhajit DattaGeneral Physician1yrs exp

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Hello lybrate-user, there has been really limited studies about survival of the rabies virus outside the host body. Although luckily, the virus cannot survive more than 20 to 24 hours in a dry environment.in temperature more than 25 degrees it barely survives 2 hours. But in a closed water bottle survival of the virus depends on many factors, like ph of the water, temperature,status of chlorination etc. At the maximum 24 to 30 hours the virus may survive in a closed bottle under normal circumstances. But, the infection potential can be very low to none if the virus load is less due to dilution of the virus in the water.in that case pep may not be required. If someone gets direct exposure to the saliva of an infected person or animal, it is better to get an prophylaxis as the rabies has 100% mortality rate. Hope this helps. Thank you.  

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