Every year, Rabies Awareness Month in March serves as a critical reminder about the danger of this disease. Did you know that once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal? However, with timely intervention and immediate medical care, it is 100% preventable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated to cause 59,000 human deaths annually in 150 countries.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is caused by a virus, rabies lyssavirus, which attacks the central nervous system leading to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. This is commonly transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected animal.

Categories of Rabies Exposure | There are three categories of Rabies Exposure.

• Category 1 – Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP) which includes feeding/touching an animal, exposure to patients with signs and symptoms of rabies by sharing of food and utensils, casual contact routine delivery of healthcare patients with signs and symptoms of rabies.
• Category 2 – Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) which includes nibbling of uncovered skin with or without bruising/hematoma, and minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding, including those induced to bleed.
• Category 3 – Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) which includes puncture wounds, lacerations, or scratched with spontaneous bleedings, licks on broken skin, exposure to a rabies patient’s saliva through bites or mucous membrane contamination (eyes, nose, mouth), unprotected handling of infected carcass, ingestion of infected raw meat, and all under Category 2 if on the head and neck areas.

Signs and Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, rabies symptoms can appear days to weeks after exposure. The disease progresses rapidly once symptoms emerge, making early intervention crucial. Signs and symptoms of rabies include: fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, difficulty swallowing and excessive salivation, fear of water and sensitivity to air, hallucinations, insomnia, and partial paralysis. Once these symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal. Therefore, immediate action is crucial to prevent the disease from progressing.

First Aid

If you are bitten, scratched, or exposed to an animal’s saliva, wash the wound thoroughly with clean running water and gentle soap for at least 15 minutes. Afterwards, seek medical care right away. A series of anti-rabies shots can prevent the virus from spreading.

Life-Saving Vaccines at iVAX Medical Solutions

At iVAX Medical Solutions | Animal Bite and Vaccination Center, we are committed to providing complete protection against rabies and other bite-related infections. Available vaccines and treatments include – Anti Rabies Vaccine (ARV), Tetanus Toxoid, Tetagam/Serotet, Anti Tetanus Serum (ATS), Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin (ERIG), Hydrocortisone and Diphenhydramine.

Don’t take chances with rabies. Here At iVAX Medical Solutions, your safety is our priority. Visit us for expert care and protection. 💉