Staying safe from Rabies in Nepal
Last updated on September 16th, 2020 at 11:35 am
Rabies is an infectious but vaccine preventable disease caused by the bite of a rabid animal.
It is common in almost 150 countries. 99% of rabies is transmitted to humans through rabid dogs.
The infection – if not treated early – can lead to the death of an individual.
About 40% of the cases result in death every year.
Rabies is almost always fatal – if one is not Vaccinated in time after getting in contact with the virus.
In Nepal, where most of the dogs are stray and not vaccinated, the chances of getting bit by a rabid animal are high.
What are the precautions to take against rabies in Nepal?
First Aid
The wound or the infected area must be washed thoroughly with soap and water immediately.
We must remember that the rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of a rabid animal.
So, if any part of our body has come in contact with the saliva, beside the wound, it must be cleaned as well.
Then, rush to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Prevention of Rabies
Rabies can be prevented in advance by immunizing oneself with rabies vaccines.
It is mainly recommended to those people who have a high risk of exposure to the disease like Veterinarians, doctors, laboratory personnel, and travelers traveling to remote areas with a high risk of rabies or where there is a limited supply of vaccines and medical treatments if anything were to occur.
Vaccines are effective in humans and other animals too.
The most effective way to prevent the spread of rabies to humans is to vaccinate dogs.
Post- Rabies Exposure Treatment
Rabies vaccination is part of the post-exposure treatment of individuals after contact with animals that are rabid or suspected to be rabid.
Vaccination with rabies vaccine should begin immediately after exposure to rabies, which has been confirmed or suspected.
Other post-exposure treatment measure includes first aid and local wound, and administration of rabies immunoglobulin, if indicated.
The choice of immunization schedule for post-exposure prophylaxis depends on the type of wound or exposure and the status of the animal.
What are the symptoms of Rabies?
Initial symptoms
Fever with pain and unusual tingling or burning sensation (paresthesia) at the wound site.
As the virus spreads to the central nervous system, progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord develops.
Symptoms of furious rabies
Hyperactivity, Fear of Water (hydrophobia), excessive excitement, and sometimes aerophobia (fear of fresh air).
A cardio-respiratory arrest occurs in a few days which may lead to death.
Symptoms of paralytic rabies
The symptoms are less dramatic and the course is long.
Paralyzed muscles at the site of infection, coma starts to develop gradually and death occurs eventually.
How is Rabies transmitted?
Rabies is transmitted through direct contact of a wound with the saliva of a rabid animal, due to a bite or a scratch.
Usually, dogs and monkeys are the main sources of transmission of rabies in humans.
Side effects of Rabies Vaccination
Local reaction: Pain, erythema, edema, pruritus, and induration at the injection site may occur.
Systemic reaction: Fever, shivering, fainting, asthenia, headache, dizziness, arthralgia, myalgia, gastrointestinal disorder (nausea, abdominal pain) may occur in some cases.
Rabies is often misdiagnosed and an underrated disease.
Therefore, we can conclude that the most effective way to prevent rabies is to vaccinate animals with Rabies Vaccine and humans can also immunize themselves to prevent any future infections.
More about Rabies Vaccination at Clinic One >>>>>>
Clinic One provides rabies vaccines in Kathmandu every day, with or without an appointment for both pre-exposure or post-exposure treatment. For more information, you can email at info@clinicone.com.np or call at 01-5400400 or 9863393960.
July 17, 2020 @ 9:59 am
A stray cat that comes to my house scratched me and there was a little bit blood cme out. The cat still comes to my home in Gaushala, Kathmandu. Must I be vaccine anti rabies or not.
July 17, 2020 @ 10:35 am
Of course, You have to get vaccinated for prevention. its better don’t take risk. There is no medicine and treatment of Rabies so better be safe on it.
November 12, 2020 @ 6:50 am
Yesterday my dog bite me ..
But we have given him rabies injection 2 month before
Do I need rabies injection too
November 12, 2020 @ 8:04 am
Yes, we recommend you to take the post-exposure rabies vaccine immediately for precautionary measures, even if your dog was vaccinated.
Rabies is always fatal so it is better not to take a risk.
Please feel free to call us at 9863393960 for more information.
July 7, 2021 @ 1:50 am
Hello. We used to feed a cat in our neighbourhood. We did not have much contact with it. While feeding, it mistakenly put its paw in my foot. I felt a pain as if it scratched. But there was no sign of wound or abrasion or any redness. My foot looked completely normal, so we dicided to absorb the cat as it didn’t leave our block. Though it looked healthy on 9th day some foreign dogs come in our block and killed the cat.
Given that there was no wound and the cat being healthy for 9 days, is it required for me to get vaccinated?
November 16, 2021 @ 2:10 pm
Can I take the rabies vaccine after two months of exposure?
Can it be effective?