Treatment FAQ

how long after a rabid animal bite do you need to get treatment

by Marjorie Morissette DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

After an average of 30 to 50 days (as short as 14 days or longer than a year) from exposure to a rabid animal, a person develops an illness that may include fever, sore throat, stiff muscles, headache, tiredness, restlessness, nausea, and itching or tingling at the site of the bite.

If a dog, cat, bat, or other mammal you might suspect has rabies has bitten you, get to the doctor. The first dose of the vaccine should be administered within the first 24 hours after exposure. Emergency room physician Dr.Jul 22, 2016

Full Answer

When do I need to get rabies after an animal bite?

 · If you were bitten by a cat, dog, or ferret that appeared healthy at the time you were bitten, it can be confined by its owner for 10 days and observed. No anti-rabies prophylaxis is needed. No person in the United States has ever contracted rabies from a dog, cat or ferret held in quarantine for 10 days.

What is the best way to treat an animal bite?

 · If a dog, cat, bat, or other mammal you might suspect has rabies has bitten you, get to the doctor. The first dose of the vaccine should be administered within the first 24 hours after exposure. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen explains what types of animals may have the virus and what to watch for with potential exposure.

How long does it take to get sick from a rabid animal?

rabies Generally, if the animal is available for laboratory exam, PEP may be delayed until lab results are available. If not available, consult with local health department or ISDH. ISDH Rab i es Co n s u l t an t M-F 317.233.7125 Ev en i n g s , w eek en d s , an d h o l i d ay s 317.233.1325 Animal bites and the administration of rabies ...

How do I report a susceptible animal bite for rabies?

 · After an average of 30 to 50 days (as short as 14 days or longer than a year) from exposure to a rabid animal, a person develops an illness that may include fever, sore throat, stiff muscles, headache, tiredness, restlessness, nausea, and itching or tingling at the site of the bite. Do you need a rabies shot if a dog bites you?

How long do you have if an animal with rabies bites you?

After an average of 30 to 50 days (as short as 14 days or longer than a year) from exposure to a rabid animal, a person develops an illness that may include fever, sore throat, stiff muscles, headache, tiredness, restlessness, nausea, and itching or tingling at the site of the bite.

Is 10 days too late for rabies vaccine?

Rabies vaccine is not needed: If, after 10 days, the animal does not show any signs of rabies, then no treatment is needed. Also, animals immunized with the rabies vaccine are unlikely to transmit rabies — all the more reason to make sure that your animals are immunized with rabies vaccine.

What is the minimum incubation period for rabies and a bite of this?

Symptoms. The incubation period for rabies is typically 2–3 months but may vary from 1 week to 1 year, dependent upon factors such as the location of virus entry and viral load.

Can I take rabies vaccine after 3 days?

The first dose should be given as soon as possible and the second dose three days later. Rabies immunoglobulin should NOT be given.

Is 7 days too late for rabies vaccine after a bite?

A patient who was bitten by a bat a few months ago is wondering if it is too late to receive rabies PEP. There is no time limit regarding the administration of PEP after an exposure.

Can I take rabies vaccine after 24 hours?

Rabies immunoglobulin for passive immunization is administered only once, preferably within 24 hours after the exposure (on day 0 along with the first dose of anti-rabies vaccine).

Can you survive rabies without treatment?

Once a rabies infection is established, there's no effective treatment. Though a small number of people have survived rabies, the disease usually causes death. For that reason, if you think you've been exposed to rabies, you must get a series of shots to prevent the infection from taking hold.

How long does it take to show signs of rabies in humans?

The first symptoms of rabies can appear from a few days to more than a year after the bite happens. At first, there's a tingling, prickling, or itching feeling around the bite area. A person also might have flu-like symptoms such as a fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and tiredness.

What happens if rabies vaccination is delayed?

If you have not yet received the vaccine and were exposed to the rabies virus, you will need a total of 5 doses on 5 different days within a 1-month period. You will also receive a shot of rabies immune globulin.

Can I take rabies vaccine after 4 days?

The first dose of the 5-dose course should be administered as soon as possible after exposure. This date is then considered day 0 of the post exposure prophylaxis series. Additional doses should then be administered on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after the first vaccination.

When should rabies vaccine be given?

Dose: Previously unvaccinated persons should receive 5 intramuscular doses (1 mL each) of Imovax Rabies vaccine, one dose immediately after exposure (Day 0) and one dose 3, 7, 14, and 28 days later.

When do you give anti rabies?

The first dose of the four-dose course should be administered as soon as possible after exposure. Additional doses should be administered on days 3, 7, and 14 after the first vaccination. For adults, the vaccination should always be administered intramuscularly in the deltoid area (arm).

Is 12 days too late for rabies vaccine?

Don't worry you are safe for now. But remember to start Rabies vaccination as soon as possible and Don't wait for the dog to observe for 10-15 days. Was this answer helpful?

How long can you delay rabies vaccine?

If delay is >7 - 14 days from day 7 schedule (i.e. days 15 to 21 from start of vaccination)- day 3 dose shall be repeated and revised according to the prescribed interval. If delay is > 14 days from day 7 schedule (i.e. beyond day 22 from start of vaccination) -a new course shall be restarted.

What happens if rabies vaccine is delayed?

If you have not yet received the vaccine and were exposed to the rabies virus, you will need a total of 5 doses on 5 different days within a 1-month period. You will also receive a shot of rabies immune globulin.

How long after a bite can you get a rabies shot?

If exposure to rabies is considered highly likely, post-exposure prophylaxis should be started as soon as possible after the exposure. If the initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis is delayed until test results from the involved animal are available, a maximum waiting period of 48 hours is recommended.

Do rabbits carry rabies?

The big thing I think about in my mind, typically, the animals that are going to transmit rabies are animals that are not necessarily vegetarian-type animals. So rabbits, those things, they don't really transmit rabies. It's more things like foxes, skunks, raccoons, these kinds of scavenger animals that may be eating some meat here and there. Those kinds of animals are sometimes those that carry rabies and those are the ones we get concerned about in saying, "Hey, if you've been bitten by one of these animals, we probably need to think about rabies."

Is rabies bad news?

Dr. Madsen: It's bad news if you get it, yeah. It's one of those things you can try and treat it and try and get them through it, but it's a horrible thing to get. So really, the treatment for rabies is prevention.

What to do if an animal bites you?

If an animal bites you, seek medical attention for the wound. Also tell the doctor about the circumstances of your injury. The doctor will ask:

How long does it take to get rabies shots?

Rabies vaccinations are given as injections in your arm. You receive four injections over 14 days.

How to get rid of a virus on a wound?

Wash your wound gently and thoroughly with soap and generous amounts of water. This may help wash away the virus.

Can you get rabies shots from wild animals?

Talk to your doctor and local public health officials to determine whether you should receive rabies shots. Wild animals that can be caught. Wild animals that can be found and captured, such as a bat that came into your home, can be killed and tested for rabies. Tests on the animal's brain may reveal the rabies virus.

How long does it take for a dog to show signs of rabies?

For instance: Pets and farm animals. Cats, dogs and ferrets that bite can be observed for 10 days to see if they show signs and symptoms of rabies.

Do you need rabies shots if you bite an animal?

That way, if it's determined the animal is healthy, you won't need the shots.

What is a rabies shot?

Rabies shots include: A fast-acting shot (rabies immune globulin) to prevent the virus from infecting you. Part of this injection is given near the area where the animal bit you if possible, as soon as possible after the bite. A series of rabies vaccinations to help your body learn to identify and fight the rabies virus.

How to treat a dog bite that is superficial?

For superficial bites from a familiar household pet that is immunized and in good health: Wash the wound with soap and water under pressure from a faucet for at least 5 minutes, but do not scrub, as this may bruise the tissue. Apply an antiseptic lotion or cream. Watch for signs of infection at the site, such as increased redness or pain, swelling, ...

What are the symptoms of an animal bite?

Call your healthcare provider for any flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, headache, malaise, decreased appetite, or swollen glands following an animal bite.

How long does rabies last?

Rabies: Stage 1. Rabies: Stage 2. Initial period of vague symptoms, lasting 2 to 10 days. Vague symptoms may include, fever, headache, malaise, decreased appetite, or vomiting. Pain, itching, or numbness and tingling at the site of the wound. Rabies: Stage 2.

How long does it take for rabies to show symptoms?

The incubation period in humans from the time of exposure to the onset of illness can range anywhere from 5 days to more than a year, although the average incubation period is about 2 months. The following are the most common symptoms of rabies. Symptoms may include: Rabies: Stage 1. Rabies: Stage 2.

What is the most important part of the rabies virus?

The salivary glands are most important in the spread of rabies from one animal to another. When an infected animal bites another animal, the rabies virus is transmitted through the infected animal's saliva. Scratches by claws of rabid animals are also dangerous because these animals lick their claws.

How does rabies enter the body?

The rabies virus enters the body through a cut or scratch, or through mucous membranes (such as the lining of the mouth and eyes), and travels to the central nervous system. Once the infection is established in the brain, the virus travels down the nerves from the brain and multiplies in different organs. The salivary glands are most important in ...

Can rabies be fatal in animals?

It attacks the ner vous system and, once symptoms develop, is 100% fatal in animals, if left untreated. In North America, rabies happens primarily in skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and bats. In some areas, these wild animals infect domestic cats, dogs, and livestock. In the U.S., cats are more likely than dogs to be rabid.

What to do if you have been bitten by a dog?

If it was a domestic dog, cat, or ferret, try to locate the animal or the owner of the animal. If the animal cannot be located, speak with your physician, as you may need to start preventive treatment for rabies which will include the rabies vaccine.

How long should a dog be kept under control after rabies?

If the biting animal tested positive for rabies and the pet is NOT current on its rabies vaccination (i.e., it was vaccinated against rabies in the past, but is now overdue for a booster vaccination), it should immediately receive a booster vaccine and be kept under the owner's control and observed for 45 days.

Do zoos give rabies shots?

At this time no vaccines have been approved for wild or hybrid animals. Although some zoos vaccinate their animals for rabies, this is only done to try to protect the animals from rabies. A wild or hybrid animal that bites a person should be humanely destroyed and the brain submitted for rabies testing. If the animal is a valuable specimen (at a zoo, for example) then rabies shots can be given to the exposed person instead of destroying the animal.

Is a blood test for rabies reliable?

Yes, the only proven test is to examine the brain for the rabies virus. Blood tests have proven not to be reliable. Because rabies is so serious, the test needs to be as accurate and reliable as possible.

How long does it take for a dog to shed rabies?

Studies have shown that dogs, cats, and ferrets only shed the rabies virus in their saliva for a short period of time (usually 4 to 5 days) before they develop symptoms. If the animal has not developed symptoms by the tenth day after the exposure then the animal would not have been shedding the virus at the time of the exposure.

What is a rabies confinement in North Dakota?

Confinement in North Dakota, as it pertains to rabies, means separation of an animal from humans (other than the owner, caretaker, a member of the owner's family or the caretaker's employees) and from other animals, by means of a building, cage, fence, pen or other secure enclosure that restricts the animal's movement within definite boundaries and prevents the animal from exiting the enclosure.

Do you need rabies shots if you bitten a dog?

If the animal is healthy at the end of the 10-day period, then no rabies exposure occurred and the person bitten will not need rabies vaccination. If the animal is not a domestic dog, cat or ferret, it should be captured, humanely destroyed and the brain sent for rabies testing.

How long can a dog be confined for rabies?

A healthy dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person should be confined and observed daily for 10 days. Confinement should be performed in coordination with public health authorities.

What animals can be bit by rabies?

Management of biting animals other than dogs, cats, and ferrets depends on: The species. The circumstances of the bite.

Can you give a rabies shot to an animal?

To avoid mistaking the signs of rabies for possible side effects of vaccination, administration of rabies vaccine to the animal is not recommended during the observation period. If the confined animal develops any signs of illness, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Can a dog be euthanized for rabies?

If the animal develops signs suggestive of rabies, it should be euthanized by an animal health professional and the head submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for testing. Any stray or unwanted dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person may be euthanized immediately by an animal health professional and the head should be submitted for rabies testing.

How long after a dog bite can you get rabies shots?

If you were recommended to receive post exposure shots, we recommend you receive the shots as soon as possible. After the bite you do have time to look for an animal for 72 hours, have the animal tested for rabies at the OSDH Public Health Lab, or observe a dog/cat/ferret for 10 days.

Which animals are at risk for rabies?

All warm-blooded animals are at risk of developing rabies.

Does OSDH test for rabies?

OSDH Public Health Laboratory, hospital laboratories, and reference laboratories do not test humans for rabies. The OSDH Acute Disease Service will work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if a physician contacts us and has strong evidence a person has rabies.

Does Oklahoma have rabies shots?

The Oklahoma State Department of Health and County Health Departments do not offer the rabies post exposure shots. A healthcare provider at your clinic or hospital will need to provide the rabies post exposure shots.

Can you euthanize a wild animal?

If you have the wild animal, it can be euthanized and sent in for rabies testing. If you are going to euthanize the animal, do not shoot it in the head. If the animal in unavailable for testing, speak with your veterinarian about receiving a booster rabies vaccine for your pet.

Can dogs get rabies in Oklahoma?

Yes. Several types of animals in Oklahoma have tested positive for rabies by the OSDH Public Health Lab (PHL), including skunks, bats, dogs, cats, cattle, horses, and other animals. For a list of animals that have tested positive in Oklahoma by county please refer to Rabies Surveillance Data and Statistics.

Can you survive rabies?

Once you develop symptoms of rabies, survival is rare. Only a few individuals have survived after developing symptoms of rabies. Please read Animal Bite: Cat, Dog, or Ferret or Animal Bite: Other Animals for additional instructions about when you need to get rabies post exposure shot series.

How long does a dog have to be exposed to rabies?

If exposed to a dog, cat, ferret or other domestic animal that is not exhibiting signs of rabies, is normal and healthy and available for observation: Do not initiate Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (RPEP) until the animal has been observed for 10 days.

When to RPEP a bat?

Recommend RPEP when direct contact between a human and a bat has occurred (unless the exposed person can be certain an exposure did not occur) and: the animal has not been apprehended. the specimen is untestable. brain specimen testing by the Nevada State Department of Agriculture cannot be completed within 24 hours.

What is the best way to clean wounds after exposure?

All postexposure prophylaxis should begin with immediate thorough cleansing of all wounds with soap and water. If available, a virucidal agent such as povidine-iodine solution should be used to irrigate the wounds.

When to recommend RPEP?

Recommend RPEP if animal control authority has determined that the bite was not provoked and the animal was exhibiting abnormal behavior;

Where is rabies found?

The rabies virus is present in the saliva, brain and spinal cord tissue of an infected animal. “When an exposure has occurred, the likelihood of rabies infection varies with the nature and extent of that exposure. Under most circumstances, two categories of exposure (bite and nonbite) should be considered.

Can a rabbit get rabies?

If exposed to a small animal or rodent (rat, mouse, squirrel, rabbit) RPEP is not recommended unless there are unusual circumstances. “Rodents are not reservoirs of rabies virus. Small rodents (e.g., squirrels, chipmunks, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils) and lagomorphs (including rabbits and hares) are rarely infected with rabies and have not been known to transmit rabies to humans.” ( Human Rabies Prevention—US 2008. MMWR. 2008: 57 (RR03);1-28.)

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