Rabies is a malignant viral infection that spreads through infected animals, mainly through dogs’ saliva, and attacks the central nervous system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 percent of human rabies cases worldwide result in dog bites. Despite the progress in treatment and prevention, a recent lancet study has shown that around 5,726 human rabies deaths occur annually, so the need for immediate medical intervention after possible risk is important.

Immediate medical aid is important

Experts emphasize that any bite or scratch from a potentially crazy animal requires immediate medical attention. Dr. Mohammad Hussain, who is widely known as a cancer doctor, warned in a social media post: “The rate of rabies is 100 percent. So do not hesitate to see your doctor after a dog bite. Do not take the opportunity.”

Even small scratches or broken skin are exposed to animal saliva. To prevent the virus from spreading, rapid and appropriate medical care, including vaccination and, in severe cases, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), is required.

Understand rabies vaccine

Anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) prevents the virus from reaching the brain. It works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against rabies virus. There are two main types of rabies vaccination:

Pre-Ec-Expozer Profilaxis (PREP): given to high risk people, such as vet, animal handlers, and passengers in rabies-endemic areas. This helps them develop immunity in advance.

Post-exposure Profilaxis (PEP): A cut or scratch was given after a bite or scratch to prevent the virus from reaching the nervous system. It consists of a series of vaccine doses and, in severe cases, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG).

Why rabies immunoglobulin (rig) is required

Rabies immunoglobulin (rig) is a life -saving injection that provides immediate antibodies to neutralize the rabies virus at the wound site. The vaccine alone takes 7–14 days to generate an immune response, except for an important window where the virus can spread to the nervous system. In severe cases (deep wounds, many bite, or exposure to saliva in the mucous membrane), rig is necessary to prevent infection before the vaccine is effective.

Dr., an infectiologist of the National Institute of Health (NIH), Dr. Emily b. “Rabies is one of some infections with a deadly rate of about 100 percent, once symptoms appear,” rabies explain.

What to do after a dog bite? WHO Guidelines

The WHO recommends a strict protocol to follow immediately after a possible rabies exposure:

1. Immediate wound care

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and flowing water for at least 15 minutes.

Apply antiseptics such as iodine or 70 percent alcohol to reduce viral load.

2. Want medical care immediately

Visit a health facility to assess vaccination and rig requirement.

Doctors will classify the exposure:

Category I: Touching or feeding animals, licking on intact skin – no treatment is required.

Category II: Minor scratches or nibbing on minor skin – requirement of vaccine.

Category III: Contamination of deep bite, wound, or mucous membrane – vaccine and immunoglobulin are required.

Rabies vaccination schedule

For Post-Ecposer Profilaxis (PEP), WHO recommendation:

4-Curaq Intramcular Regimeen: Day 0, 3, 7, and 14 (with an additional dose on 28 days for people).

If the person receives prep first, only two doses (day 0 and day 3) are required, and no rig is required.

Rabies immunoglobulin (rig) administration

How it is given: Rig must be injected directly around and around the wound for maximum effectiveness.

When it is effective: Rig is the most beneficial when the first rabies vaccine dose is administered within 7 days. After this period, the vaccine produces enough antibodies, making the rig unnecessary.

What will happen if the rig is delayed?

Within 7 days: Still effective and should be administered as soon as possible.

After 7 days: Usually not needed because the vaccine has started working.

Beyond 7 days without rig: The risk of virus reaching the nervous system increases, causing deadly rabies.

Who is most at risk?

Some people have a high risk of contracting rabies, including:

Children: They are more likely to play with animals and cannot report slight bite or scratches.

Animal handler and veterinarian: frequent exposure increases their risk.

Passengers of rabies-endemic regions: Region areas with high stray dog ​​population should take preventive measures.

People with external businesses: Farmers, wildlife professional and hunter are more likely for animals.

Immunocompromized people: Their immune response to rabies vaccine may slow down, which can make the rig even more important.

Prevention is the key

Rabies specialist at the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Richard Franca insisted, “Rabies is perfectly to be prevented with proper wound care, timely vaccination and rigs in severe cases. Public awareness and responsible are important in reducing domesticated ownership cases.”

To reduce the risk of rabies:

Get vaccination: Prep is recommended for high -risk groups.

Control stray animal population: Vaccination support pets and community programs.

Educate children: Teach them to avoid contact with unknown animals.

Follow the hygiene practices: Wash the wounds immediately after the bite and seek medical help.

Rabies is one of the deadliest infections, but it is perfectly stopped with the correct precautions.

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