Rabies and animal bites
Rabies is a viral infection of the brain spread through the bite, scratch or saliva of an infected animal. In Afghanistan it is most often caused by dogs, but also by cats, foxes, jackals and wolves. Once symptoms start, rabies is almost always fatal. It can be fully prevented by washing the wound straight away and getting the rabies vaccine quickly after any bite.
Symptoms
- After a bite: pain, tingling or itching at the bite site
- Fever and headache
- Fear of water and difficulty swallowing
- Agitation, confusion or aggressive behaviour
- Muscle spasms, or weakness and paralysis
- Symptoms can start weeks or even months after the bite
Causes
- Rabies virus in the saliva of infected animals
- Bites or scratches from dogs, cats, foxes, jackals, wolves or other mammals
- An infected animal licking broken skin, the eyes or the mouth
- Many stray and unvaccinated dogs
Prevention
- After any bite or scratch, wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes straight away
- Go to a clinic the same day for rabies vaccine; do not wait to see if the animal gets sick
- Complete all vaccine doses on the dates given
- Vaccinate pet and guard dogs against rabies
- Teach children to stay away from stray dogs and to tell an adult about any bite
Treatment
- Wash the wound well with soap and water at once, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine
- Do not tightly close or stitch deep bite wounds at home
- Rabies vaccine as soon as possible after the bite, given in several doses
- Rabies immunoglobulin for deep or severe bites, given by a health worker
- Tetanus vaccine and sometimes antibiotics, as decided by the doctor
- Do not use traditional remedies such as putting chilli, ash or herbs on the wound
Common questions
The dog that bit me looks healthy. Do I still need the vaccine?
Yes, start the vaccine. A dog can carry rabies before it looks sick. A doctor may stop the vaccine later if the dog stays healthy for 10 days, but do not wait to start it.
Is the rabies vaccine safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Rabies is deadly, and the vaccine is safe for pregnant women, babies and children. Anyone who is bitten should get it.