Rabies is a very deadly infection transmitted to human through animal bites, commonly dog bite. It is caused by a virus.

Common symptoms

It is a rapidly progressing infection. In the early stage, there is tingling sensation and pain around the site of bite.

• Fever, weakness and poor appetite may be noticed in the early stage
• There is then abnormal behavior, limb paralysis, fear of drinking water. There is also hallucinations ( the person perceives smell or hear sounds that are not real). The late stage is characterized by seizures/convulsion, loss of consciousness and eventually death.

What to do after a dog bite

1. Do not kill the dog; put it in an enclosed space for observation. A dog infected with rabies is usually sick, may be violent, bites without provocation and often die within 3 to 5 days.
2. Wash the bite site thoroughly with soap and water. You may apply iodine solution on the site after washing it
3. Do not suck the wound site
4. Do not incise or cut the bite site
5. There is no need to tie belt or cloth above the site of bite
6. Go to the hospital instantly. Your doctor will recommend tetanus immunization, antibiotics and antirabies vaccine
7. Antirabies vaccine is given as injections. Total of 5 doses are given; on day 0 (day of the bite), day 3, 7, 14 and 28 counted from the day of the dog bite.

Prevention of dog bite/rabies

• Do not disturb a dog when it is eating, sleeping or nursing puppies
• Do not pull a dog’s tail
• Do not play with or feed dogs you are not familiar with
• Walk away if a dog growls at you, do not run. Keep your hands by your side, avoid eye contact and slowly back away
• If you fall when the dog attacks, curl into the shape of a ball, use your hands to cover your ears, avoid screaming or rolling around.
• If you keep a dog, ensure the dog is vaccinated regularly.