Rabies – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Identifying rabies infection can be difficult because visible bite marks are often missing. Early symptoms often look like those of other illnesses.
Doctors use lab tests on brain tissue, saliva, skin biopsy, or blood to check for the rabies virus. They may repeat these tests if results are unclear.
Key steps in diagnosis:
- Doctors look for signs such as fever, confusion, or paralysis.
- They test samples for the rabies virus.
- They watch for symptoms like encephalitis during the incubation period.
Doctors may start immediate treatment if there is a risk of rabies exposure.
Treatment
Medical Steps After a Suspected Rabies Bite
When an animal bites a person and may carry rabies, doctors act quickly. They aim to stop the rabies virus before it can infect the body.
Doctors clean the bite wound well with soap and water. Next, they decide which shots the patient needs.
If the person has not had a rabies vaccine before, doctors give two types of injections:
| Type of Injection | Purpose | How Itโs Given |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies Immune Globulin | Gives quick protection | Injected close to the bite area |
| Rabies Vaccine | Helps the immune system fight the virus | Injected in the arm as a series |
If the person never had a rabies vaccine, doctors give four shots over 14 days. If the person had a rabies vaccine before, only two booster shots are needed over three days.
These shots help the immune system fight the rabies virus if it enters the body.
If the animal is not found or the rabies risk is unclear, doctors and health officials talk with the patient. Together, they decide whether to start treatment.
Figuring Out if the Animal Has Rabies
Knowing if the animal has rabies helps decide if treatment is needed. The process depends on the type of animal.
Domestic animals: Doctors often watch pets like cats, dogs, and ferrets for 10 days. If they stay healthy, the person does not need rabies shots. For farm animals and less common pets, doctors check each case separately. A healthcare provider or local health authority helps decide what to do.
Wild Animals: If someone catches a wild animal, such as a bat, health experts test its brain tissue in a lab. If the animal tests negative, shots are not needed. If the animal has rabies or cannot be tested, doctors start treatment right away.
Animals That are Missing: If the animal cannot be found, doctors consider the type of animal, where the bite happened, and if rabies is common in the area. Sometimes, the safest choice is to give rabies shots. In other cases, it might be safe not to treat. Health officials and doctors help make this decision.
Fast action after animal bites is very important because rabies infection almost always leads to death. Rabies immune globulin gives quick protection. The rabies vaccine trains the immune system for longer-term defense.
Watching domestic animals like dogs and cats can help avoid unnecessary shots. Doctors handle wild animals and missing animals based on risk and local guidelines.
Important: Start a rabies vaccination series only when health experts recommend it. Acting quickly can save lives.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps to Take Before Seeing a Doctor
If an animal bites someone, they should write down important details about the incident. Note the kind of animal, whether it was wild or a pet, and if the pet has an owner or a known vaccination history.
Try to remember how the animal acted before the bite and if it was provoked. Report to health authorities or animal control if the animal seemed sick, acted strangely, or showed signs of hydrophobia.
If it is safe, contain the animal without causing head injuries. This matters because rabies testing needs a brain sample.
List all details to share with the doctor, including if the animal was caught or what steps were taken after the bite.
Bring this information to your appointment. It helps the health team assess rabies risk and decide on prevention steps.
Actions to Take Right Away
Clean the Wound: Gently wash the area with soap and plenty of water. This helps remove the virus.
Capture the Animal Safely: Try to contain the animal only if it will not cause harm.
Inform Local Authorities: Contact animal control or wildlife experts about the bite and the animal.
Monitor Health: Watch for symptoms of infection or illness. Tell your doctor about any changes.
