14-Year-Old Succumbed to Rabies After 1.5 Months of Dog Bite: Know the Precautions

A teenager in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, tragically succumbed to rabies after being bitten by a dog. The 14-year-old, named Sabez, passed away while in his father's arms on his way back from a hospital in western Uttar Pradesh. He had been bitten by a dog more than a month ago, but reportedly kept it a secret from his parents out of fear. Subsequently, he contracted rabies and began displaying abnormal behavior, ultimately falling victim to this lethal disease on Tuesday.

This incident has raised significant concern, prompting calls for the removal of stray dogs from the streets and sparking a heated debate on the matter.

Rabies: A Silent Threat That Demands Urgent Action

Nonetheless, experts stress that immediate immunization through vaccination is the sole effective defense against rabies, a condition that leads to a harrowing fatality.

"Immunization is the only reliable safeguard against rabies, given its 100 percent fatality rate. Individuals should promptly seek vaccination after being bitten by such an animal," clarified Dr. Amit, the nodal officer for zoonotic diseases in Gautam Buddh Nagar.

In the wake of this event, the Ghaziabad Police have filed FIRs against individuals accused of feeding stray dogs, including the one suspected of carrying rabies and having bitten the boy.

"It is the duty of those who feed dogs to ensure that all strays in their vicinity receive proper vaccinations. An aggressive and rabid dog poses a threat to the entire community of dogs within the area, making it crucial to relocate such animals. A single incident like this can turn many people against innocent dogs," emphasized Kaveri Rana Bhardwaj, founder of SMART Sanctuary.

When to get Rabies Vaccine?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for rabies involves administering a series of rabies vaccinations to individuals at higher risk of exposure to the virus, such as veterinarians, laboratory workers, or travelers to regions with high rabies prevalence.

This precautionary measure helps prime the immune system to produce antibodies against the rabies virus, providing faster and more effective protection if a person is later exposed.

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Pre-exposure rabies vaccine (PrEP) is recommended for individuals who are at higher risk of potential exposure to the rabies virus. This includes:

1. Veterinarians and Veterinary Staff:

   Due to their frequent interaction with animals, especially wildlife and potentially rabid pets

2. Animal Handlers and Wildlife Workers:

   People who work closely with animals in various settings, such as zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and animal control

3. Laboratory Workers:

   Those handling specimens that may contain the rabies virus, including researchers and technicians in labs studying rabies

4. Travelers to High-Risk Areas:

   Individuals planning extended stays or engaging in activities that may increase their risk of animal bites or scratches in regions with high rabies prevalence and limited access to medical care

5. Cavers and Spelunkers:

   Those involved in activities that may lead to encounters with bats, which are a known rabies reservoir

6. Certain Outdoor Enthusiasts:

   This may include campers, hikers, and individuals engaged in activities where contact with wildlife is more likely

7. Rabies Response Team Members:

   People involved in emergency response, animal control, or wildlife management, who may need to handle potentially rabid animals

It's important to consult with a healthcare provider or travel clinic to assess individual risk factors and determine if pre-exposure rabies vaccination is advisable. Even for those who receive pre-exposure vaccination, prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is still necessary if they are bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of carrying rabies.

Even with PrEP, individuals should still seek prompt medical attention and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of carrying rabies. PrEP is a crucial precautionary step in safeguarding against this deadly disease.

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Post-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended for individuals who have been potentially exposed to the rabies virus through a bite, scratch, or mucous membrane contact with the saliva or neural tissue of an infected animal. This includes:

1. People Bitten by Animals

   : Anyone who has been bitten by an animal, especially if the animal is not domesticated, or its rabies vaccination status is unknown, should seek immediate medical attention

2. Veterinarians and Animal Handlers

   : Those who work closely with animals, including veterinarians, animal control officers, and wildlife workers, are at higher risk of exposure and should receive the vaccine

3. Laboratory Workers Handling Rabies Samples

   : Professionals who handle samples or work with the rabies virus in a laboratory setting are recommended to receive post-exposure vaccination

4. Travelers to High-Risk Areas

   : Individuals traveling to regions or countries where rabies is prevalent, especially if they plan on engaging in activities that may put them in close contact with animals, should consider post-exposure prophylaxis

5. People with Compromised Immune Systems

   : Those with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, certain cancers, or organ transplants may require rabies vaccination even for relatively low-risk exposures

6. Children

   : Due to their tendency to interact closely with animals and potentially fail to report a bite, children should be considered for post-exposure vaccination if there is a suspicion of exposure

It's important to note that post-exposure rabies vaccination should be administered as soon as possible after potential exposure, along with rabies immune globulin (RIG) if indicated. Prompt treatment is essential in preventing the onset of rabies symptoms, which are almost invariably fatal once they appear. Always consult a healthcare professional or public health authority for specific advice in case of potential rabies exposure.



Source-Medindia