There was an astonishing case of a woman dying of Rabies in Greater NOIDA, India after she consumed (infected) cow milk. The cow was bitten by a dog and developed symptoms of Rabies.
Never heard of such a case scenario.
Any thoughts?
3 Likes
This case is highly unusual, as rabies is typically transmitted through bites or saliva contact with wounds. Transmission via milk is extremely rare, but possible if consumed raw and if there were mucosal injuries. Further investigation is needed to confirm this route of infection. If validated, it could prompt new public health guidelines on handling milk from infected animals.
2 Likes
Yes, this case is indeed unusual and raises important concerns about rabies transmission. While rabies is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, the possibility of consuming infected raw milk as a route of transmission is extremely rare and not well-documented in scientific literature.
Rabies is primarily spreads through saliva and neural tissues, not typically through blood or milk. The virus is fragile outside the host and is usually inactivated by stomach acids and digestive enzymes. However, in cases where there are open sores or lesions in the mouth, or if the virus bypasses normal digestion, there could be a theoretical risk—though this remains highly unlikely.
4 Likes
As mentioned earlier,if the woman has a tired mucosa,the virus can enter while handling unpasteurised milk.There was an incident in China where a man after sucking the wound of a person bitten by a dog was infected with rabies
3 Likes
This is a nightmare for us overthinkers! What if there are more unknown ways by which it be can transmitted and we haven’t figured it out yet? (highly unlikely but hey 
)
With conflicting facts regarding the matter on whether the transmission is possible or not, it is better to take precaution and drink pasteurized milk.
2 Likes
This makes sense! Integrity of mucosa will play a role.
2 Likes
Theoretically, if a cow were actively infected with rabies (which is very rare) and the virus were present in its milk, there could be a tiny theoretical risk
2 Likes
True!
1 Like