According to world health organization (WHO) 59000 people die of rabies every year, while majority of deaths are in Asia and Africa. Deaths from rabies are mostly from rabid dog bites. The disease has no effective treatment in humans and once clinical signs appear the disease becomes deadly. However, the disease can be prevented by vaccination as a preventive care or immediately after dog bite.
Care after a dog bite:
- Dog bite wound should be washed with cold running water for at least 15 minutes while washing with soap or detergent.
- Apply iodine containing or antiviral ointment.
- Do not close the wound with bandages or dressings.
- Rush to nearest medical center to get additional care from a medical doctor.
Recommended Post-exposure prophylaxis:
Category I – No exposure – Touching / licks / No wounds – Wash skin surface with soap and water for 15 minutes
Category II – Exposure – Lick on exposed wound / minor scratch / wound without bleeding – Wash wound with soap and water for 15 minutes AND Vaccination (two ID-sites on days 3 and 7 / one IM-site on days 3-7 and 14-28 / two IM-sites on days 0 and one IM-site on days 7 and 21)
Category III – Severe Exposure – Bites deep into skin / saliva contamination from licks / licks on open wounds / contact with bats – Wash wound with soap and water for 15 minutes AND Vaccination (two ID-sites on days 3 and 7 / one IM-site on days 3-7 and 14-28 / two IM-sites on days 0 and one IM-site on days 7 and 21) AND Rabies Immunoglobulin administered.
Personnel at high risk for exposure should consider Pre-exposure prophylaxis
- Veterinary and animal laboratory personnel
- Public health care workers
- Travelers to areas with high prevalence of rabies
- Dog owners, family, and friends
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