Rabies

Which animals most commonly transmit the rabies virus?

• Wild Animals: Such as dogs, cats, raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, and coyotes.

• Stray Animals: Especially if their rabies vaccination status is unknown.

• Domestic Animals: If there's a possibility they could be rabid or if their rabies vaccination status is uncertain.

How do you know if the animal you were bit by has rabies?

There is no way to know without testing the animal, but some common signs you may find in the animal are:

• General sickness

• Problems swallowing

• Excessive drool or saliva

• An animal that is overly aggressive

• An animal that bites at imaginary objects (sometimes called “fly biting”)

   

What should you do in case of an animal bite?

• Clean the wound with mild soap and running water.

• DO NOT COVER THE WOUND. IT IS BEST TO KEEP IT OPEN.

• Visit a doctor after any animal bite or scratch from a wild or unknown animal or if you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last five years.

When is a rabies vaccine needed?

• A rabies vaccine is recommended if you're bitten by an animal with a risk of rabies, such as a wild animal or one exhibiting unusual behavior.

• The vaccine is most effective when administered soon after exposure, ideally within a few days. The timing is crucial to prevent the virus from progressing.

• In proven rabies infected animal bites, additional injections called ‘immunoglobulins’ are required to be taken. These injections are available in tertiary government hospitals.

What is the regimen for the post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies?

• First Dose: Administered as soon as possible after exposure.

• Additional Doses: Typically, a series of four to five doses is given over a 14-day period. It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations of the exact schedule of each vaccine dose.

• Prompt and complete adherence to the recommended schedule is essential for the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine.

How do we report a rabid animal?

• Contact your local animal control agency and ask for help.

• Avoid direct contact. Do not attempt to handle the animal yourself, as rabies is transmitted through saliva, and the virus can be present in the animal's saliva.

• Be prepared to provide details about the animal's behaviour, location, and any potential exposure risks, if possible, take a photo of the animal in question.