Rabies Risk After Dog Bite: What You Need to Know

Q: Rabies Risk After Dog Bite: What You Need to Know

Dear Mr. Wei： 1. According to standard procedures, after a dog bite, the dog should be quarantined for 10 days to prevent it from biting other dogs. If the dog does not die from rabies after 10 days, then you should not contract rabies. However, if the dog dies

Regarding rabies issues?

Three days ago, I was playing with a dog and accidentally got scratched on my hand by its canine teeth.
The dog is a stray puppy that I brought home to care for.
I'm unsure if I could be infected with rabies.

Mr. Wei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/12

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Mr.
Wei:
1.
According to standard procedures, after a dog bite, the dog should be quarantined for 10 days to prevent it from biting other dogs.
If the dog does not die from rabies after 10 days, then you should not contract rabies.
However, if the dog dies from rabies within those 10 days, you may be at risk for rabies and should promptly go to the hospital to receive the complete rabies vaccination series.
2.
Therefore, it is recommended that you follow the aforementioned protocol by quarantining the dog and observing it for 10 days for any signs of rabies.
3.
In fact, in our country, there have been almost no human cases of rabies infection for nearly 60 years.
However, infections from dog bites do occur from time to time; sometimes they require appropriate treatment or medication.
4.
It is advisable for you to discuss this with your family physician or consult a surgeon at the hospital for further management.

Reply Date: 2018/09/12

More Info

Rabies is a serious viral infection that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites. Given your situation of being bitten by a stray puppy, it is crucial to assess the risk of rabies and take appropriate action.

Firstly, it is important to understand that rabies is most commonly found in wild animals, but domestic animals, including dogs, can also be carriers if they are not vaccinated. Stray dogs, particularly, pose a higher risk because their vaccination status is often unknown. Puppies, while less likely to be rabid than adult dogs, can still carry the virus if they have been exposed to it.

In your case, since the dog was a stray and you are unsure of its vaccination history, it is essential to take the following steps:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: If you have not done so already, visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They will evaluate your wound and determine the necessary treatment. Even minor bites can lead to serious infections, and rabies is a critical concern.

2. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): If the dog is suspected to be rabid or if its vaccination status is unknown, your healthcare provider may recommend rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. This typically involves a series of rabies vaccinations and, in some cases, rabies immune globulin (RIG) to provide immediate protection.

3. Wound Care: Proper care of the bite wound is crucial. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. This can significantly reduce the risk of infection, including rabies. After cleaning, a healthcare professional may apply a sterile dressing and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.

4. Observation of the Dog: If possible, try to observe the dog for any signs of illness over the next 10 days. If the dog shows symptoms of rabies (such as aggression, excessive drooling, or paralysis), it is critical to inform your healthcare provider immediately.

5. Vaccination Status: If you can, find out if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. If the dog is a pet and you can contact the owner, they may provide you with vaccination records. If the dog is not vaccinated, or if you cannot determine its vaccination status, it is better to err on the side of caution and proceed with PEP.

6. Follow-Up: After initial treatment, ensure you follow up with your healthcare provider as recommended. They may want to monitor your recovery and ensure that the wound is healing properly.

In summary, given that you were bitten by a stray puppy, it is essential to take the situation seriously. Rabies is a preventable disease, but once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. Seeking immediate medical attention and discussing the need for rabies vaccination is the best course of action to protect your health. Remember, it is always better to be safe and proactive when it comes to potential rabies exposure.

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