Children are the most vulnerable to dog bites: they are naturally attracted to animals and cuddle them without being aware of the risks, doctors say.
Dr D Narayanappa, Head of the Department of Paediatrics, JSS Medical College Hospital, told City Express, “Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, it is nearly always fatal. For this reason, anyone with a risk of contracting rabies should receive vaccination.”
In the West, veterinarians, animal handlers and rabies lab workers are among those considered vulnerable, and given rabies shots.
“Now, with many cases of children being bitten, it is advisable to give them rabies prophylaxis (vaccination),” he said.
The vaccine is administered in three doses. Dose 1: As and when parents feel it is appropriate; Dose 2: Seven days after Dose 1, and Dose 3: 21 or 28 days after Dose 1.
Agreeing with Dr Narayanappa, Dr Karunakar, President of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, says delivery boys, pourakarmikas and postmen should also go in for the life-saving vaccine.
“Pourakarmikas clearing garbage are at risk of getting bitten by dogs. Covering this population under the rabies vaccination is advisable,” he said.
Dr Mahesh, Chairman, Sathya Sai Orthopaedic and Super Speciality Hospital, says the rabies virus is dangerous.
“Post-exposure vaccination also plays an important role in saving lives. If children show any uneasiness after a bite, they should be brought immediately to the hospital,” the doctor, treating a child recently mauled by a dog, said.
Medical Advice
Seek immediate medical care if you are bitten by any animal. Based on your injuries and the situation in which the bite occurred, you and your doctor can decide whether you should receive treatment to prevent rabies.
Anyone who has been bitten by an animal, or is otherwise exposed to rabies, should clean the wound and see a doctor immediately. The doctor will determine if they need to be vaccinated.
A person who is exposed and has never been vaccinated against rabies should get four doses of the vaccine--- one dose right away, and additional doses on the third, seventh, and 14th days.
They should also get another the rabies immune globulin shot at the same time as the first dose.
A person previously vaccinated should get two doses of the vaccine — one right away and another on the third day. Rabies Immune Globulin is not needed.
The rabies infection is caused by the rabies virus. The virus spreads through the saliva of infected animals. Infected animals can spread the virus by biting another animal or human.
Rabies can be spread when infected saliva gets into an open wound or the mucous membranes, such as the mouth or eyes. This could occur if an infected animal were to lick an open cut on your skin, hence anyone who comes across pet animals should be careful as there are chances of the virus getting transmitted, say experts.
Rabies Symptoms
Symptoms of rabies may be very similar to the flu and may last for some days. Signs and symptoms may include: Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, fear of water (hydrophobia) because of the difficulty in swallowing, hallucinations, insomnia and partial paralysis.
“Manifestation of the infection takes 20 days to months, and only symptomatic treatment can be given at this stage,” Dr Narayanappa said.