Overview
Rabies is a deadly virus spread through the bite, scratch or lick of an infected animal, most often dogs in India. Once symptoms begin it is almost always fatal, but it is completely preventable if the wound is washed and vaccination is started promptly after exposure. This is why any animal bite must be treated as an emergency — never wait to see whether symptoms appear.
Symptoms
- Tingling or pain at the site of a healed bite
- Fever, headache and general unease early on
- Fear of water and painful throat spasms on trying to drink
- Agitation, confusion and hallucinations
- Excess saliva and difficulty swallowing
When to see a doctor
After any animal bite, scratch or lick on broken skin, wash the wound and get anti-rabies vaccination the same day. Do not wait for symptoms.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Any bite, scratch or lick on broken skin from a dog, cat, monkey or bat — wash the wound with soap under running water for 15 minutes and go for anti-rabies vaccination immediately
Causes
The rabies virus in the saliva of infected animals — dogs, cats, monkeys and bats — entering through a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin.