28th SEPTEMBER – WORLD DAY

What is World Rabies Day?

World Rabies Day is celebrated throughout the world on 28th September to raise awareness about rabies disease and its prevention. The theme for World Rabies Day 2016 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) is ‘Educate, Vaccinate and Eliminate.’ 1,2

What is Rabies?

Rabies is almost invariably fatal once symptoms develop. Dogs are the source of 99% human rabies infections. Rabies virus is generally spread from the infected animal (pet or stray) through o a bite, o a scratch with or without bleeding, o licks on broken skin 3

Why are children at a higher risk of rabies?

Children, with their love for dogs, whether their own pets or strays, are at highest risk of Rabies. This is because they lack awareness of potential dangers and may not report scratches or bites. Moreover, their small stature makes them more susceptible to be bitten in the face and head. 4 But did you know that kids can be vaccinated against rabies even before a harmful scratch, lick or bite? Starting this World Rabies Day, learn more about Pre Exposure vaccination against Rabies.

What is Pre Exposure vaccination?

You can vaccinate your child before a scratch, lick or bite, by giving them the human . This type of vaccination is called pre-exposure rabies vaccination.5

What are the benefits of Pre Exposure vaccination?

The benefit of pre-exposure vaccination is that in case of a future bite, the child does not require Rabies immunoglobulin treatment which is an additional cost to the patient. Additionally there is a provision of immunity in children in case initiation of vaccination post bite gets delayed.5

Isn’t vaccination of dogs enough?

As per Immunization guidelines, children having pets at home are considered high risk. A history of rabies vaccination in an animal is not always a guarantee that the biting animal is not rabid. Animal vaccine failures may occur because of improper administration or poor quality of the vaccine, poor health status of the animal and the fact that one vaccine dose does not always provide long-lasting protection against infection.5,6

What happens after a dog bite or scratch?

Time is critical in getting treatment after a bite or scratch. Even if you’ve received a rabies vaccine in the past, you must seek medical attention quickly after a suspected exposure. People living in rabies-affected regions should be aware of the risks and understand what they need to do if they are bitten or scratched. The WHO recommended approach following a bite or scratch from an infected animal is to:

 thoroughly wash the wound with soap  administer rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) if you have been bitten or scratched and didn’t receive a vaccine beforehand  give post-exposure vaccination. 7 In keeping with the theme of World Rabies Day 2016, let’s together ‘Educate, Vaccinate and Eliminate’ Rabies!

Additional resources : 1. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/2016/world-rabies-day/en/ (Accessed 15 September 2016 ) 2. https://rabiesalliance.org/world-rabies-day/ (Accessed 15th September 2016) 3. WHO Position Paper on Rabies vaccines 2010 4. Giesen et al. Expert Review of Vaccines, 14:3, 351-367 (2015) 5. IAP Guidelines, Indian Pediatrics, VOLUME 51 OCTOBER 15, 2014 6. National Guidelines on Rabies Vaccination, NCDC,2015 7. World Health Organization. Rabies: Fact Sheet No.99. March 2016. Available from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs099/en/# [Accessed 15th September 2016]

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For personal medical advice on Rabies pre exposure vaccination, please consult a physician.

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