28/09/2024
The importance of this day lies in the fact that rabies is a preventable disease, and yet, it continues to claim the lives of over 59,000 people annually, mostly in rural regions of Africa and Asia. By spreading awareness, World Rabies Day emphasises the importance of vaccinating animals, educating the public about bite prevention, and ensuring quick access to post-exposure treatment.
Immediate care tips for animal bites
As soon as you're bitten or scratched by an animal, rinse the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This helps reduce the viral load, significantly lowering the risk of infection.
After cleaning the wound, apply an antiseptic such as iodine solution or alcohol-based disinfectant. This helps to further disinfect the wound and prevent bacterial infections.
If the bite is deep and bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe or doesn't stop, seek immediate medical attention.
Use a sterile bandage or clean cloth to cover the wound and protect it from dirt and bacteria. Make sure the bandage isn't too tight, allowing air to circulate and aid healing.
Regardless of the severity of the bite, consult a doctor or visit an emergency room. Rabies is a serious condition that requires immediate medical evaluation, especially if the bite was from an unknown or unvaccinated animal.
If there's any chance the animal is rabid, you'll need to start a series of rabies vaccines immediately. This post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective in preventing the disease if administered promptly.
