Rabies Doesn't Just Spread From Dogs: Know The Risks And Vaccine Guidelines

Lesser-Known Carriers Of Rabies

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Atul Gogia, Senior Consultant - Medicine and Infectious Disease Specialist, Sir Gangaram Hospital, Delhi, shares that while dogs are commonly known carriers of rabies, other animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes can also be common but lesser-known carriers. Some of the most overlooked sources of infection are:

Mongoose: Particularly in regions where they are prevalent, such as parts of the Caribbean and India.

Ferrets: Domestic ferrets can contract rabies, though it is less common.

Domestic cats: Cats are a significant rabies vector in some areas, due to their proximity to wildlife.

Symptoms Of Rabies Infection: What Are The Complications?

If left untreated, rabies infection can almost always be life-threatening or fatal. The symptoms of rabies can be divided into early and late stages, with complications including neurological damage and death.

Early symptoms include:

• Flu-like symptoms: fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue can be among the first signs.
• Pain or numbness at the bite site accompanied by tingling or prickling sensations.
• Anxiety and agitation

Late symptoms (neurological) include:

• Confusion and delirium
• Disorientation, and even hallucinations 
• Hydrophobia (fear of water)
• Aerophobia (fear of air currents) 
• Excessive salivation
• Seizures and paralysis
• Hyperactivity and aggression
• Coma and death

Complications include:

• Brain damage
• Respiratory failure 
• Cardiac arrest

Immediate Steps To Take After A Bite Or A Scratch

Here are some expert-recommended steps if you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal:

• Wash the wound: Rinse the area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes to remove saliva and reduce the risk of infection.
• Control bleeding: Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.
• Seek medical attention: Promptly go to a healthcare professional or an emergency room. They can assess the need for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Timing For Rabies Vaccine After Exposure

Rabies deaths in humans are 100% preventable, according to the WHO. However, this requires prompt and appropriate medical care. The vaccine is a great way to prevent rabies infection and should be administered as soon as possible after exposure:

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Ideally, it should be started within 24 hours of exposure. However, it can still be effective if administered up to 10 days after exposure, though earlier is always better.

Specific Protocol: PEP typically includes a series of rabies vaccinations and, if indicated, rabies immune globulin.

The standard rabies PEP schedule involves five doses of vaccine on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28, with day 0 being the day of the first vaccination. This schedule is for previously unvaccinated individuals, and the first dose should be administered as soon as possible after the exposure. In some cases, particularly for immunocompromised individuals, a fifth dose on day 28 may be added.

According to Dr Gogia, the rabies vaccine is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, as with any medical treatment, it should be discussed with a healthcare provider, considering the potential risks and benefits. Moreover, the rabies vaccine is safe for children and is an important preventive measure in cases of potential exposure.

Conclusion

While rabies is often associated with dog bites, it's important to recognise that the virus can be transmitted by a range of animals, including cats, bats, and mongooses. Given the severity of the disease and its near 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear, every animal bite or scratch should be treated as a potential risk. Immediate wound care, timely vaccination, and awareness of lesser-known carriers can make all the difference. Remember, rabies is preventable, and staying informed and proactive is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.