Overview
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is completely preventable with prompt care after a bite. Dog bites are common in Pakistan, so knowing what to do is essential.
Symptoms
- Pain, tingling or itching at the bite site
- Fever and headache
- Anxiety, confusion and agitation
- Fear of water and difficulty swallowing
- Muscle spasms, paralysis and coma
- Symptoms may appear weeks to months after a bite
Causes and risk factors
Rabies spreads through saliva from infected dogs, cats, bats, monkeys and other mammals, usually by bites or scratches on broken skin.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis after a bite is based on the type of exposure. Once symptoms start, special tests on saliva, skin or spinal fluid can confirm it.
Treatment
After a bite, wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes and seek care immediately. Post-exposure treatment includes rabies vaccine and, for severe exposures, rabies immunoglobulin. Pre-exposure vaccination is advised for people at high risk.
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency care immediately after any animal bite or scratch that breaks the skin, even if it looks minor. Do not wait for symptoms.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
