What to do after rabies exposure?
Are you on vacation in Bali? If yes, you should be aware of the possibility of a rabies infection from a dog bite or other animal bite. Bali, renowned for its beauty and hospitality, unfortunately grapples with a significant rabies problem. The island has experienced outbreaks of rabies in recent years, primarily affecting its dog population. Stray dogs, while often friendly, can carry the rabies virus, posing a risk to residents and visitors alike. Therefore, tourist must be a vigilant and informed about rabies prevention and what to do in case of exposure.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease. Rabies is transmitted through saliva. Monkeys, dogs, bats or, in rare cases, cats can all be Rabies carriers. The incubation period is typically 2–3 months, but may vary from one week to one year, dependent upon factors such as the location of virus entry and the viral load. Initial symptoms of rabies include a fever with pain and unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking, or burning sensation (paraesthesia) at the wound site.
What should you do if you get bitten?
If you find yourself in a situation where you suspect exposure to rabies, swift action is paramount. Whether it’s a stray dog bite or any interaction that could potentially transmit the virus, follow these steps:
- You should immediately wash the wound with clean running water and soap to reduce the risk of infection.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Our sanmed medical clinic open for 24 hours.
- Describe the incident detail to the healthcare provider, including the wounds, the circumstances surrounding the exposure and any information about the animal.
- Get the rabies vaccines in our clinic.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Rabies is a preventable disease. For people who have never been vaccinated against rabies, PEP (Post exposure prophylaxis) should always include the administration of both HRIG (Human Rabies Immunoglobulin) and rabies vaccine. The combination of HRIG and vaccine is recommended for both bite and non-bite exposures. If HRIG was not administered when vaccination was begun, it can be administered up to the third dose of vaccine (Day 7). After the third dose is administered, HRIG is not recommended since an antibody response to the vaccine is presumed to have occurred People who have been previously vaccinated or are receiving pre-exposure vaccination for rabies should not receive HRIG. PEP for persons who have previously been vaccinated against rabies consists of two doses of vaccine, 3 days apart.
For travelers seeking reliable medical care in Bali, Sanmed Medical offers comprehensive services to address a wide range of healthcare needs. Sanmed Medical provides prompt and professional assistance for rabies exposure cases and other medical cases. If you need more information about rabies you can contact and consult with our doctor at Sanmed Medical.