Can children contract rabies from pets that have licked rabid animals?

While rabies can be transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, including pets that have come into contact with rabid animals, the likelihood of a child contracting rabies solely through a pet's saliva is very low. For rabies transmission to occur, the infected saliva must come into direct contact with a fresh wound or mucous membrane, such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Here's why the likelihood is low:

1. Saliva Transmission: Rabies is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected animals, where saliva directly enters the wound. Licking alone, without a break in the skin or contact with mucous membranes, is not considered a common mode of transmission.

2. Pet Saliva: Pets, such as dogs and cats, may lick themselves after coming into contact with infected animals, but their saliva typically does not contain a high enough viral load to cause rabies in humans.

3. Owner Responsibility: Responsible pet owners usually take precautions, such as vaccinations and restricting contact with wild animals, to prevent their pets from getting rabies. Regular veterinary care and adherence to vaccination schedules help reduce the risk of rabies transmission from pets.

4. Wound Care: If a child has any scratches, cuts, or open wounds, proper wound care and prompt cleaning can help prevent infection, including the potential risk of rabies transmission.

It's important to note that while the risk of contracting rabies through pets' saliva is low, any suspected exposure to rabies should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought immediately. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of vaccinations and antibody injections, can be highly effective in preventing the onset of rabies if administered promptly.