Steps to stay safe after a dog bite & prevent rabies

KATHMANDU: If you have been bitten by a dog that you suspect may have rabies, it’s very important to act quickly because rabies is a potentially fatal disease that can be transmitted through saliva when an infected animal bites you. Here are the steps to take to stay safe:

1. Clean the Wound Immediately:

Wash the bite area with soap and water as soon as possible. This helps to remove any potential virus and reduces the risk of infection.

Disinfect the area with an antiseptic solution.

2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

Go to the doctor or the emergency room immediately after a bite, even if you don’t think the dog was rabid. Rabies can be treated if caught early.

If you are unsure whether the dog was rabid, a medical professional will assess the situation and recommend rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

3. Identify the Dog:

Try to determine whether the dog has an owner. If it’s a pet, find out if it has been vaccinated against rabies.

If it’s a stray dog, avoid contact with it and try to safely contain it or inform local animal control to capture it for observation.

4. Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP):

If the dog shows signs of rabies or its rabies status is unknown, a series of rabies vaccinations (PEP) will be administered. These shots are very effective at preventing the onset of the disease if given soon after exposure.

PEP treatment includes:

• A dose of rabies immune globulin (RIG) for immediate protection.
• A series of rabies vaccinations over a period of about 14 days.

5. Monitor the Dog:

If you are able to identify the dog and it’s a pet, it should be quarantined and monitored for 10 days. If the dog remains healthy during that time, you’re generally safe.

If the dog develops rabies or dies within that time, you’ll need to begin or continue the PEP treatment.

6. Watch for Rabies Symptoms:

Rabies symptoms in dogs include:

• Unusual aggression
• Foaming at the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Paralysis
• Behavioral changes (more docile or extremely aggressive)

Human symptoms after rabies exposure might not appear immediately but usually develop within 1–3 months and include:

• Fever
  Headache
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Hydrophobia (fear of water)
• Paralysis, which can eventually lead to coma and death if untreated.

7. Prevention for the Future:

• Ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies.
• Avoid contact with wild animals or unknown dogs, especially if they appear sick or behave unusually.
• Educate others about the risks and symptoms of rabies.

Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but if you receive treatment in time, you can be saved.