World Rabies Day: Deadly, But 100% Preventable

A dog bite, a scratch from a stray puppy or a lick on a small cut may seem minor. But if the animal carries the rabies virus, the consequences can be fatal. The good news: rabies is one of the few deadly diseases that can be completely prevented if you act quickly.

Every year on 28 September, World Rabies Day reminds us to protect our families, vaccinate our pets and never ignore an animal bite. The date marks the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, who developed the first rabies vaccine.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the brain and nervous system. It spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, most often through a bite or scratch. Dogs cause the vast majority of human rabies cases, and India carries a heavy share of the global burden.

How Does Rabies Spread?

• Bites from infected dogs, cats, monkeys, bats and other animals
• Scratches from an infected animal
• Licks on broken skin, open wounds or the lining of the mouth, nose and eyes

Pets that are not vaccinated, including your own, can carry the virus. A healthy-looking animal can still transmit rabies, so never assume it is safe.

Symptoms of Rabies

Symptoms usually appear a few weeks to a few months after the bite, but in some people much sooner or later. This delay is why prompt treatment after every bite matters.

First Aid After an Animal Bite

What you do in the first few minutes can save a life:

1. Wash the wound immediately with plenty of running water and soap for at least 15 minutes.
2. Apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine, if available.
3. Cover loosely with a clean, dry dressing.
4. Go to a hospital straight away. Do not wait to see if the animal falls sick.

Do You Need the Rabies Vaccine?

The doctor decides the treatment based on the type of contact with the animal:

Treatment After a Bite

• Anti-rabies vaccine: A series of injections given on specific days over about a month. Your doctor will confirm the schedule, and it is important to complete every dose on time.
• Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG): Given in and around the wound in serious bites to give immediate protection while the vaccine builds immunity.
• Tetanus protection and antibiotics: Given when needed to prevent other infections.

How to Prevent Rabies

• Vaccinate your pets against rabies every year, including dogs and cats
• Keep pets on a leash outdoors and supervise them around other animals
• Avoid touching stray animals and never tease or corner them
• Teach children to stay calm around dogs and to report any bite or scratch immediately, even if it looks small
• Do not handle wild animals or sick and unusually aggressive animals
• Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you work with animals, such as veterinarians, animal handlers and rescuers, or if you live in a high-risk area

Rabies Myths and Facts

• Myth: A small scratch is harmless. Fact: Even minor scratches can transmit the virus.
• Myth: Only stray dogs carry rabies. Fact: Unvaccinated pets can carry it too.
• Myth: If the animal looks healthy, there is no risk. Fact: An animal can spread the virus before it looks ill.
• Myth: Rabies vaccine injections are given in the stomach. Fact: Modern vaccines are given in the arm or thigh, in a small dose.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Visit the hospital immediately if you or a family member:

• Is bitten, scratched or licked on broken skin by any animal
• Has contact with a bat, even without a visible wound
• Is unsure whether the animal was vaccinated
• Has missed a dose of the rabies vaccine

This article is for awareness and does not replace medical advice. After any animal bite, please consult a qualified doctor immediately.