The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a global strategic plan aiming to eliminate human deaths caused by dog-mediated rabies by 2030. In this context, let’s analyse some common misconceptions about rabies and the scientific facts behind them.
Myth 1: Rabies occurs only when bitten by an aggressive animal foaming at the mouth.
Fact: Dogs naturally bite when they feel threatened or insecure, which is not always a sign of rabies. While rabid animals may exhibit aggression or foam at the mouth, this is not always the case. Early symptoms of rabies in animals or humans include fever and fatigue. Rabid animals may also show signs of paralysis or seizures and may struggle to stand.
Myth 2: Rabies spreads only through animal bites.
Fact: Rabies can also spread if the saliva of an infected animal comes into contact with an open wound or mucous membranes.
Myth 3: Bites from mice or rabbits always cause rabies.
Fact: Rabies transmission from domestic mice or rabbits is extremely rare. Vaccination is not required in such cases. However, bites from wild rodents or rabbits may pose risks, and a specialist’s advice should be sought.
Myth 4: Rabies has no cure.
Fact: Rabies is preventable. Vaccines are available for both humans and animals. If bitten by a suspected rabid animal, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 10-15 minutes and receive a vaccine within 24 hours. However, once symptoms appear, treatment is not possible.
Myth 5: If bitten by a vaccinated dog, post-exposure rabies vaccination is unnecessary.
Fact: Although rare, vaccinated dogs can still contract rabies if the vaccine quality or administration was improper. Medical consultation is recommended to assess the wound and determine the need for a vaccine.
Myth 6: Rabies treatment requires over 20 injections in the stomach.
Fact: Modern treatment usually involves three injections in the arm on the day of the bite, the third day, and the seventh day.
Myth 7: Rabies vaccines cause illness and memory loss.
Fact: Older vaccines had side effects, but modern vaccines are safe and effective with minimal risks.
Myth 8: Indoor pets that do not go outside do not need rabies vaccination.
Fact: Even indoor pets are at risk of rabies through accidental encounters with wild animals like bats. Vaccinating all pets, including those indoors, is crucial.
Myth 9: Rabies vaccination is unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Fact: Modern rabies vaccines are safe, effective, and pose no risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women or their babies.
Myth 10: Puppies do not require vaccination if they bite.
Fact: Puppies born to vaccinated mothers may have temporary immunity for up to three months. However, since maternal vaccination history is often unclear, it is advisable to receive a rabies vaccine if bitten by a young puppy.
—Dr Prakash Adhikari is a veterinarian working with the Department of Animal Services.
