DO'S AND DONT'S FOR THE DISEASE- RABIES

RABIES: A FATAL, BUT PREVENTABLE DISEASE

Rabies is practically a 100% fatal disease .There are only 4 recorded survivors till date who recovered following intensive life support and excellent nursing care.

Points to Remember:

1. Rabies is 100% fatal.
2. Rabies is preventable through wound care, correct use of vaccines and sera.
3. Incorrect/wrong treatment to animal bite victims may lead to rabies death and litigation under Consumer Protection Act.
4. It is very important also to elicit information about the biting animal (dog/cat).
5. Healthy, pet and regularly vaccinated dog / cat (low risk category).
6. Healthy, pet and vaccination doubtful or not done (moderate risk category).
7. Rabid, Sick, died, stray (dog/cat) or other animals or wild animals (high risk category).

The signs of rabies in the dog/cat are:

1. Any change in its normal behaviour suggesting either undue aggression or depression.
2. Running aimlessly and attacking others without any provocation.
3. Becomes too drowsy and withdraws itself to a corner.
4. Excessive salivation.
5. Change in its voice/bark.
6. Refusal to feed or eating unusual objects like stone, paper, wood, metal pieces, etc.
7. Death of the animal.

Do's
 

1. Wash all wounds under running water (or flushing) for at least 10-15 minutes.
2. Gently clean all wounds with a detergent or any soap available (soaps are viricidal).
3. Apply any household antiseptic like Dettol, Savlon, and Povidone iodine (preferred).
4. In extraneous circumstances other alcoholic (>40%) preparations like Rum, Whisky, after-shave lotion may be applied on the wound (s).

Dont's
 

1. Bandage or dress the wound (wherever practicable or as far as possible).
2. Use tincture iodine.
3. Suture the wound.
4. Apply any local applicants like turmeric, neem, red chilli, lime, plant juices, coffee powder, coin, etc. as these will act as irritants and propel the virus in the wound deeper to cause nerve infection and resultant rabies encephalitis and death.

KINDLY APPROACH NEAREST HOSPITAL and SAVE LIFE