Rabies is one of the oldest known diseases to humans, yet it still kills thousands every year in India. Despite being entirely preventable, Rabies remains a silent threat. The main issue is unvaccinated stray dogs and cats. Yes! Cats can also cause Rabies. Every year, India reports over 18,000 deaths from Rabies. This accounts for more than one-third of the global toll.
The tragedy? Every single death could have been avoided with timely medical action.
What To Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
If a dog or cat bites you or someone around you, time is critical. Don’t wait. Here’s what you need to do immediately:
- Wash the wound thoroughly: Use soap and running water to clean the wound for at least 15 minutes. This step can reduce the risk of the virus entering the body.
- Apply an antiseptic: After washing, apply an antiseptic such as iodine tincture or an alcohol-based solution.
- Do NOT cover the wound: Leave the wound open. Covering it traps bacteria and slows down the healing process.
- Seek medical help immediately: Head to the nearest hospital without delay.
Time is the most important thing when fighting against Rabies!
Where to Go for Treatment for Rabies
The Government of India has made Rabies treatment very accessible. It’s available at:
- District hospitals and primary health centres (PHCs)
- Medical colleges and state-run hospitals
- Urban health clinics and municipal hospitals
Most government hospitals stock anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). These vaccines are important for rabies treatment.
Medicines and Injections You Need
Rabies treatment involves both vaccines and antibodies. Here’s the standard post-exposure protocol:
- Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV): Given in five doses on Day 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28. Day 0 is the day of the bite.
- Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG): Given only in category III bites (deep wounds, bleeding, or bites on the head/face).
Do not skip or delay any dose. Missing a shot can make the entire treatment ineffective.
Government Schemes and Support in the Fight Against Rabies
The Indian government has taken several steps to stop Rabies:
- National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP): This is part of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). It focuses on the free availability of vaccines and training health workers.
- Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme: Run by municipal bodies to sterilise and vaccinate stray dogs and cats. It is to reduce the stray population and rabies transmission.
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): Tracks human rabies cases and helps in a timely response.
In many states, anti-rabies vaccines and RIGs are provided free of cost at government hospitals. Awareness campaigns and school-level education on avoiding bites from stray dogs and cats are also part of these initiatives.
Post-Treatment Rabies Care: What to Watch Out For
Getting the vaccine is not the end of the story. Here are key things to keep in mind:
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco: These substances may interfere with your immune response.
- Don’t scratch or apply irritants on the wound: Let the wound breathe and heal naturally.
- Follow up religiously: Attend every scheduled vaccination dose as scheduled.
- Monitor symptoms: If you experience fever, confusion, twitching, or difficulty swallowing after vaccination, report it immediately to a doctor.
Possible Side Effects of the Treatment
The rabies vaccine and RIG are safe, but side effects can occur:
- Common side effects: Pain or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, headache, or fatigue.
- Rare but severe: Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), especially with ERIG.
Doctors will usually keep you under observation for a short time after RIG administration to manage any immediate allergic response.
The Bigger Picture: Prevention is Better Than Panic
While human treatment is important, we can’t ignore the need to manage stray animal populations. Vaccination of pet animals should also be done on time. Here’s what communities can do:
- Vaccinate pets: All pet dogs and cats must be vaccinated annually.
- Report aggressive or rabid animals: Inform your local municipality or animal control unit.
- Educate children: Most victims of dog or cat bites are kids. Schools and parents must teach them how to avoid provoking animals.
Final Word
Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but also 100% preventable if handled early. In India, the necessary infrastructure is in place. What’s needed is vigilance.
If bitten by a dog or cat, act fast. Don’t wait to “see what happens.” One wash, one shot can mean the difference between life and death. Stay aware. Stay safe. Rabies should no longer be a killer in 21st-century India.
