An 8-year-old girl died of rabies in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on October 25, 2023, after being bitten by a stray dog two weeks earlier. The child did not inform anyone in her family except her mother about the incident, and she was only given some home remedies instead of the necessary rabies vaccine. The family only contacted the Community Health Center when the girl developed symptoms after 15 days.
According to officials, as many as 5000 cases of dog bites are reported every month in both rural and urban Agra.
This tragic case highlights the importance of being informed about rabies and getting vaccinated immediately in case of a bite or scratch by a mammal in a rabies-endemic country.
Prevention: Avoid contact with animals! Do not feed animals either! Vaccination before exposure (2 injections and a booster after 1 year) is particularly recommended for travelers with increased individual risk (travel on two-wheelers, to remote areas, long-term stays, small children, spelunkers, contact with bats, etc.).
What to do after exposure: After an animal bite/scratch: Immediately wash the wound with running water and soap for 15 minutes, then disinfect and in any case visit a good medical facility for vaccination/revaccination as soon as possible!
Prevention: Avoid contact with animals! Do not feed animals either! Vaccination before exposure (2 injections and a booster after 1 year) is particularly recommended for travelers with increased individual risk (travel on two-wheelers, to remote areas, long-term stays, small children, spelunkers, contact with bats, etc.).
What to do after exposure: After an animal bite/scratch: Immediately wash the wound with running water and soap for 15 minutes, then disinfect and in any case visit a good medical facility for vaccination/revaccination as soon as possible!
promedmail.org 30.10.2023