2024-03-15 06:34:08
21-year-old Shraddha Shinde, a resident of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, was bitten by a stray dog on the road on February 3. After this he also got all five rabies vaccinations done. It is a matter of concern that the woman has died even after a month of getting the full vaccination. It is being told that after taking the last rabies vaccine last week, he developed fever and weakness in both legs on Saturday (March 9).
First he was admitted to a private hospital, where several tests were done. After his condition deteriorated, he was put on ventilator. The test report revealed that she was infected with rabies. Shraddha was later taken to a government hospital, but she died the next day. Shraddha’s death has raised questions about how she got rabies even after taking the full course of vaccine.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and central nervous system. It is spread by the bite of sick animals, usually dogs.
Rabies fatality rate
According to TOI report, Dr Shishir Mirgunde said, ‘Rabies infection can spread to others through blood or saliva. Therefore, such patients are kept in separate rooms to prevent the spread of rabies. He said that according to studies around the world, 99.09% of people infected with rabies do not survive. People who have pet dogs should get themselves and their pet dogs vaccinated.
How is rabies spread?
The disease can be spread by being bitten or scratched by an animal infected with rabies, or by coming in contact with its saliva. For example, rabies infection can occur if the saliva of an infected animal comes in contact with an open wound or mucous membrane such as the eyes.
What are the symptoms of rabies?
Symptoms of rabies may appear weeks or months after the bite. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, and pain or tingling at the bite site. Later the person may have serious symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, muscle cramps, and fear of water (hydrophobia).
How to protect against rabies?
- Get pets, especially dogs, vaccinated regularly.
- Stay away from stray or wild animals and do not tease them.
- If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water immediately and contact a doctor. The doctor may recommend anti-rabies vaccine.
- If you have any questions about rabies or its symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Rabies treatment and vaccine schedule
- According to the CDC, once rabies symptoms appear, treatment is difficult and often fatal. Therefore prevention is the most effective solution.
- The first dose of a four-dose course should be given as soon as possible after exposure.
- After this, additional doses should be given on the 3rd, 7th and 14th day after the first dose.
- Rabies vaccine for adults should always be given in the upper arm muscle (deltoid).
- For children, it can also be administered on the outer part of the front thigh. Rabies vaccine should never be administered in the gluteal area. Studies show that applying it on this spot reduces the formation of antibodies.
What to do first if a dog bites you
- Wash wounds caused by dog or other animal bites with soap and running water.
- Apply a sterile dressing to the wound.
- Do not apply any harmful substance like chilli, oil, lime on the wound.
- Immediately go to the government hospital and take anti-rabies vaccine as per the doctor’s advice.
- The vaccination schedule should be followed properly.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.