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Rabies
Rabies is a deadly viral infection spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, usually a dog. It is almost always fatal once symptoms start, but is entirely preventable with prompt treatment.
Causes & risk factors
- Rabies virus in the saliva of infected animals
- Bites or scratches from dogs, cats, monkeys or bats
- Licks on broken skin or the eyes/mouth
- Unvaccinated stray animals (a major risk in India)
- Delay in wound care and vaccination after a bite
Common symptoms
- Fever and headache early on
- Tingling or pain at the bite site
- Fear of water (later stage)
- Confusion and agitation
- Difficulty swallowing and muscle spasms
Tests & diagnosis
- Diagnosis is mainly clinical after a bite
- Specialised lab tests in referral centres
- No routine blood test for early diagnosis
- Assessment of the biting animal if possible
Treatment & management
- After a bite: wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes
- Go for post-exposure vaccination immediately — do not wait
- Rabies immunoglobulin for deep or high-risk wounds
- Complete the full vaccination schedule
- Once symptoms start, rabies is almost always fatal — prevention is everything
When to see a doctor urgently
- Any animal bite or scratch — start wound washing and seek vaccination the same day
- A lick on broken skin or the eyes/mouth from a suspect animal
- Do not wait for symptoms — treatment must begin before they appear
- Bites to the face, hands or from a wild animal — urgent priority
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about rabies. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do right after a dog bite?
Wash the wound with soap under running water for about 15 minutes, then go for rabies vaccination immediately. Do not delay.
Is it too late if the animal looked healthy?
Do not take the risk. Always get post-exposure treatment after a bite, as rabies is fatal once symptoms begin but preventable beforehand.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.