In New Delhi, a silent but deadly threat looms for many pet owners and animal lovers alike—rabies. This viral infection, primarily spread through the saliva of infected animals, especially dogs, poses a significant risk to human health, accounting for 99% of rabies cases. Recent studies paint a grim picture, revealing that approximately 5,726 people die from this preventable disease each year, underscoring the urgent need for immediate medical intervention following dog bites.
Often, people assume that receiving the rabies vaccine is sufficient to avert this deadly virus. However, health experts argue this is not the case. While the Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) is crucial for building immunity against rabies, it takes between 7 to 14 days for the body to develop adequate protection. This waiting period allows the virus an opportunity to spread unchecked, raising the stakes for those who are bitten or scratched by a potentially infected animal. To combat this, Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is critical, as it provides immediate protection by delivering ready-made antibodies precisely where they are needed—at the wound site.
According to the source, Dr. Neha Rastogi Panda, an expert in infectious diseases, emphasizes the importance of RIG following severe dog bites. “Getting RIG is essential for immediate protection, especially for those who have not received earlier vaccinations against rabies,” she explains. This highlights a common misconception—that the vaccine alone can shield against rabies. In truth, it is imperative to consider RIG as an essential part of the treatment strategy in such cases.
What should a person do if bitten by a dog?
The answer lies in swift and decisive action. First, it is vital to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This critical step helps remove any potential viral particles from the surface. Next, professional medical care must be sought without delay to evaluate the need for rabies vaccination and RIG. Exposure categories outlined by health authorities provide guidance on the required treatment: touching or feeding animals typically requires no treatment; minor scratches necessitate the rabies vaccine; and deep bites or wounds demand both the vaccine and RIG.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a specific vaccination schedule for post-exposure prophylaxis. For those who have not previously been vaccinated against rabies, a series of four vaccine doses is administered on days 0, 3, 7, and 14. In contrast, individuals who have undergone pre-exposure prophylaxis need only two doses, and RIG is not necessary in their case.
Yet, despite these prevention strategies, accessing RIG in India can be a significant hurdle, particularly in rural regions. The high cost of RIG—ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000—compared to the rabies vaccine, which generally costs between Rs 300 and Rs 400, can deter timely treatment. Furthermore, many healthcare workers remain untrained in the updated protocols for post-exposure treatment, complicating the situation further. Logistical issues also hinder the proper storage and transportation of RIG, especially in remote areas where cold chain management is challenging.
