Rabies is usually a fatal disease, even though a small number of people have survived it. Treatment includes preventing the infection from occurring once a person has been bitten by or exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is best to have an animal bite or contact with an unknown animal taken care of as soon as possible, regardless of the risk of rabies.
Wound Cleansing
Immediate cleaning of the wound is recommended for a person bitten by a suspected rabid animal, even before heading to the doctor. The physician may also apply cleansing with water or use an iodine solution that helps decrease the risk of bacterial infection, according to the CDC. In many cases, wound cleansing alone has been shown to reduce risks of getting rabies. Doctors and health professionals are the best people to determine the next line of treatment.
Post-Exposure Vaccination
Post-exposure injections include a passive antibody and a vaccine. People who have already been vaccinated against rabies will receive only the vaccine. Vaccinations are recommended for bite and non-bite exposures to an animal that is possibly rabid. The vaccinations normally include a dose of human rabies immune globulin to prevent the virus from causing infection and four doses of rabies vaccine given over time, the CDC explains. The rabies vaccine is usually given on the day of the exposure followed by days three, seven and 14. People who have already been vaccinated will be given two vaccine doses, usually on the first and fourth days. The shots produce an immune response. They are applied to a muscle in the upper arm and have been successful in preventing rabies when performed soon after exposure. A tetanus shot may be given if the person has not been immunized for the past 10 years, the CDC says. Antibiotics may also be provided.
Watching the Animal
Some treatments can be determined by watching pets or farm animals that are suspected of carrying rabies. They will be monitored for 10 days following contact to see if there are signs of rabies, the Mayo Clinic explains. If the animal shows no symptoms of rabies, the rabies shots may not be needed. Wild animals that can be caught can be killed and tested for rabies. If an animal that has bitten a person cannot be found, the rabies shots may be given as a precaution. It is best to talk to a doctor and local health officials about the necessity for rabies shots.
