Dog Bite & Rabies

Facts about Rabies:

• Rabies is an acute viral disease that causes fatal encephalomyelitis.

• In India, dog bites are the most common mode of transmission, even puppies may be rabid. 

• No specific treatment available anywhere in the world, once rabies develops. 

• Rabies is 100 percent Fatal but Preventable. If post-exposure treatment is given correctly and in time, it is 100% effective in preventing rabies disease.

• Vaccinated animal is not always a guarantee that the biting animal is not rabid.

• Wash the wound immediately thoroughly with water and soap for 15 min and apply an antiseptic (povidone-iodine solution).

• Complete the course of Anti Rabies vaccination, as advised by your doctor.

Can a vaccinated dog transmit rabies?

A dog effectively vaccinated against rabies cannot suffer and transmit the disease. However, in the absence of laboratory documentation of protection, it cannot be presumed that a vaccinated dog is actually protected. Hence, irrespective of the vaccination status of the biting dog, the Post Exposure Prophylaxis (Rabies Vaccine) is given. 

What treatment is given after exposure?

Post-exposure treatment consists of one dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG, a blood product containing human antibodies that neutralize rabies virus) and a series of rabies vaccine doses.

Is there any specific treatment for a rabies patient?

There is no specific treatment once rabies develops.

How can I help prevent rabies in my pet and myself?

• Vaccinate your animals against rabies as directed by your veterinarian and in accordance with local rabies vaccination requirements in your area.

• Contact animal control to remove stray animals or animals acting sick or strange in your neighborhood.

• Never touch or approach unfamiliar animals, domestic or wild. Don’t touch dead animals. Teach your children the same.

• If you do get bitten by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and then seek medical care.

Vaccination before exposure

Vaccination before an exposure, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, requires two doses of vaccine for up to 3 years of protection for most people.

Is a vaccinated person totally protected if bitten by a rabid animal?

No. If bitten, a vaccinated person who is up to date on Pre-Exposure prophylaxis should receive medical attention and two doses of post-exposure rabies vaccine; one dose right away and a second dose 3 days later.

What’s the advantage of being vaccinated against rabies if you still have to receive additional doses of vaccine if you’re exposed?

Being vaccinated simplifies treatment by eliminating the need for human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and decreasing the number of doses of vaccine needed after an exposure.

Can the vaccine cause rabies?

No. Rabies vaccines for humans do not contain live rabies virus. All rabies vaccines for human use are inactivated. It is not possible for the rabies vaccination to cause the disease.

How does one treat an animal bite?

• Wounds should be washed and flushed immediately with soap and water for 10–15 minutes.

• If soap is not available, flush with water alone. This is the most effective first-aid treatment against rabies.

• Wounds should be cleaned thoroughly with 70% alcohol/ethanol or povidone-iodine, if available.

• As soon as possible, take the person to a healthcare facility for further treatment.

• Rabies virus can persist and even multiply at the site of bite for a long time. So, efficient wound washing must be performed as soon as possible with soap and water and even if the patient reports late.

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Wounds should be washed and flushed immediately with soap and water for 10–15 minutes.

• If soap is not available, flush with water alone. This is the most effective first-aid treatment against rabies.

• Wounds should be cleaned thoroughly with 70% alcohol/ethanol or povidone-iodine, if available.

• In cases of any animal bite, even if the bite/scratch seems minor, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional to assess the risk of infection.

• IITH Hospital helpline number: 8331036101 (24×7)

Dr. Baishakhi Chandra

Pulmonologist, 

Senior Medical Officer, IITH