Class I exposure: intact skin contact with an animal and its secretions or excretions is a Class I exposure, which is not risky and does not require post-exposure management, but the contact area needs to be carefully cleaned.
Class II exposure: bites, scratches and wounds without visible bleeding, or wounds that have closed but not fully healed in contact with animals and their secretions or excretions are Class II exposure and require wound disposal and vaccination.
Grade III exposure: requires wound management, vaccination and the use of passive immunisation preparations as appropriate. This category of wounds includes.
(i) penetrating skin bites or scratches with clinically significant bleeding.
(ii) Wounds or mucous membranes that have not yet closed and come into contact with animals and their secretions or excretions.
(iii) Exposure to bats.
Note: Alcohol wipes can be used to distinguish between Grade I or Grade II wounds; the absence of pain is classified as Grade I exposure and the presence of pain as Grade II exposure. Distinguish between Grade II or Grade III exposure by whether there was visible bleeding at the time; no bleeding, a small amount of blood oozing from the wound and blood oozing after squeezing are Grade II exposures, and significant bleeding or full skin rupture are Grade III exposures.