How long can the rabies virus live outside the host?

Answer 1

When it comes to the rabies virus, it cannot live outside the body of the vector host for more than a few seconds. The moment the virus is put out of the salivary glands of the animal, the virus will die. Rabies is affected by temperature and moisture similar to other viruses.

Aerosol transmission is exceptionally rare, though possible. Contamination of this type is almost exclusive to laboratory workers and people who handle infected animals.

Rabies can not live independently in an aerosolized state and must be passed through contaminated fluids ejected into the air. An infected person or animal would have to spray a susceptible area (eyes, nose, open wound, etc.) with contaminated fluid thus passing the virus.

However, in cases where an animal has succumbed to the rabies virus, the virus can continue to live in the animal for nearly 48 hours after death. That is why it is prudent not to touch dead animals that you find in the wild. Common animals that carry this virus include raccoons, groundhogs, opossums, bats and skunks.

Answer 2

The rabies virus is not very hardy outside of a host and is susceptible to environmental conditions. It can survive for a few hours on surfaces such as skin or objects, but is quickly inactivated by sunlight, heat, or drying. In general, the virus is not considered a significant risk for transmission through contact with inanimate objects.

Answer 3

The rabies virus can stay alive outside of the body for a very short period of time. The exact time depends on the strain.

Answer 4

Rabies virus does not survive outside the body for more than few seconds. But if an animal dies of rabies, the rabies virus may survive for up to two days in the body.

Answer 5

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