Getting vaccinated against rabies is the solution

Rabies is caused by the bite or scratch of a dog, cat, monkey, fox, bat, skunk, or other wild animal infected with the rabies virus. There is no cure for rabies. Once symptoms of rabies appear, death is certain. Therefore, the disease must be prevented by vaccination

Animals that require rabies vaccination if bitten or scratched include: dogs, cats, monkeys, foxes, jackals, badgers, and bats. However, rabies vaccination is not required if bitten by rats, mice, or rabbits.

 

Symptoms of rabies: Symptoms of the disease can appear within five days to a year after a dog or cat bite or scratch.

 

Symptoms include:
1) Burning sensation at the wound site, numbness
2) Fever, body aches, nausea
3) Mental confusion (excitement)
4) Sensitivity to light, air, inability to tolerate
5) Fear of drinking water. Fear of being given water to drink.

 

What to do if bitten or scratched:
1) Wash the wound with Bengali soap under running tap water for 15 minutes.
2) Contact the emergency department of the nearest government hospital to get ARV vaccine and RIG (Rabies Immunoglobulin Category 3) vaccine to prevent rabies.

Click here for details

According to the latest update, a total of three doses of rabies vaccine are required. On the day of the bite or scratch, on the third and seventh days (if the vaccine is administered through the skin following government protocols). Otherwise, a total of four doses are required. On the day of the bite or scratch, on the third, seventh and fourteenth days. In this case, the vaccines are administered through the meat.

 

Wound Categories: Dog or cat scratch wounds are divided into three categories for treatment.

Category 1: This refers to contact with or feeding on a dog or cat. There are no bites or scratches, and the patient is not aware of it. No vaccination is required for this.

 

Category 2: There are bite or scratch marks. But there is no bleeding. In this case, ARV vaccine will be required. But antibodies (ERIG) will not be required.

 

Category 3: Blood flows from the wound. In this case, both ARV and antibody (day 1) vaccines will be required. Category 2 on the face will also be considered Category 3. Finally, remember, only awareness can save you from rabies.

 

Suggested by: Dr. Morshed Ali, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Parkview Hospital.