If bitten by a stray animal, what should be properly done?

a. Immediately wash the bite wound with soap and clean water. Antiseptics may be applied.
b. Consult a physician or go to your nearest Animal Bite Center for immunization. The victim may also be given antibiotics and anti-tetanus immunization, if indicated.
c. Consult a veterinarian for the management of the biting dog.

What is Rabies post-exposure treatment?

Post-exposure treatment is given to persons who are exposed to rabid animals. It consists of local wound treatment, active immunization (vaccination) and passive immunization (administration of rabies immunoglobin).

What is active and passive immunization?

Active immunization or vaccination aims to induce the body to develop antibodies against Rabies whose effect lasts for 1 to 3 years.

Passive immunization is the process of giving an antibody to persons with Category III exposure (head and neck bites, multiple/single deep bites, contamination of mucous membranes, licks of the eyes, lips and mouth) in order to provide immediate protection against Rabies, which should be administered within the first seven days of active immunization. The effect of the immunoglobulin is only short term.
 

Is Rabies curable?

No. Once signs of brain involvement are manifested, the Rabies victim dies within 1-3 days.

Is Rabies preventable?

Yes. By administering vaccine and immunoglobin at the right time to an animal bite victim, Rabies can be prevented. One important measure that will be of big help in reducing the risk of getting Rabies is by immediately washing the bite wound with soap and water.

Is “tandok” effective in the prevention of Rabies?

No. “Tandok” is folk medicine done by placing a deer horn over the wound. This is believed to suck out the Rabies virus. Records have shown that patients who received “tandok” treatment died either of Rabies or Tetanus, which only means that “tandok” is not effective.

Is rubbing the bite wounds with garlic and vinegar useful in the prevention of Rabies?

No. Garlic and vinegar need not be applied on the bite wound for they will cause more injury (swelling, irritation, further introducing dirt into the wound). By washing the wound immediately with soap and clean water, the risk of Rabies infection will be greatly reduced.

Do we need to kill the dog immediately?

8.    Do we need to kill the dog immediately?
No. If the dog is apparently healthy, it should not be killed immediately and should instead be kept on a leash or caged for observation for 14 days.

What is the difference between the observation period and the incubation period?

The observation period is the period of time that the dog or cat is observed for signs of Rabies. The observation period for dogs or cats is usually 14 days starting from the day the animal has bitten a person. Studies have shown that a dog or cat, which is rabid at the time of the bite usually, dies within 14 days. If it remains to be alive within that period, it means that it is not rabid and has not transmitted the virus to the person.

Does a person bitten by a rabid person need to be given anti-Rabies immunization?

10.    Does a person bitten by a rabid person need to be given anti-Rabies immunization?
Yes. A rabid person can transmit the Rabies virus to another person and need to be given anti-Rabies immunization

Does a person bitten by a rabid person need to be given anti-Rabies immunization?

Yes. A rabid person can transmit the Rabies virus to another person and need to be given anti-Rabies immunization