[ Aido Komut ]
Many strays near you? Take preventive vaccines. Even a canine’s scratch is deadly. Due to the rise in the cases of dog bites in the state it is likely that the number of rabies cases can abruptly rise. People should opt for preventive rabies vaccination called pre-exposure prophylactic anti-rabies vaccination.
What to do in case of a dog bite?
Wound management- administer rabies immunoglobulin and anti-rabies vaccines at the earliest. Wash the wound, apply an antibacterial ointment, put on a dry sterile bandage -if the bite is on head, neck, face, hand, finger, feet etc. call your healthcare provider right away. Avoid home remedies and consult a doctor
Remember, even if the dog bite looks harmless, it can lead to serious infections or rabies and eventually lead to death. If the dog is properly vaccinated against rabies and the efficacy of the vaccine is confirmed by laboratory evidence, there is no need to worry otherwise an appropriate PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) needs to be administered
Shots are necessary if there are minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding, single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, nibbling of uncovered skin, contamination of mucous membrane with saliva if the bite is on injuries.
Complete treatment or PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) –Anti-rabies vaccine: Follow on anti-rabies vaccine schedule – 0,3,7,14,20 days – after a dog bite. Vaccines develop protection against the virus in the body after 6-7days after the first vaccine is taken and other vaccines are taken as scheduled. Vaccines are given by intradermal route. (The contributor is a 3rd year student of College of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Seleish, Mizoram)
