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Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Emergency protective treatment protocol after suspected rabies exposure.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis?

Rabies is an acute viral encephalitis caused by the Rabies virus, almost 100% fatal once clinical symptoms appear. It is transmitted by the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Dogs are the most common source of transmission worldwide.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is 100% effective when administered promptly. PEP consists of wound care (thorough washing with soap and water), rabies vaccine (IM on days 0, 3, 7, and 14), and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) for category III exposure.

WHO exposure categories: Category I (touching, contact with intact skin — PEP not needed); Category II (minor bite or scratch — vaccine needed); Category III (single or multiple transdermal bites, mucosal contact — vaccine + RIG needed).

Symptoms

Incubation: 20-90 days (rarely months to years)
Prodrome: paresthesia at the bite site, fever, malaise
Furious rabies: hydrophobia, aerophobia, agitation, hallucinations
Paralytic rabies: flaccid paralysis, preserved consciousness, dysphagia
Coma and death (usually within 2 weeks of symptom onset)

Risk Factors

Animal bite in rabies-endemic regions
Bite from a stray or unvaccinated dog/cat
Bat contact
Occupational exposure (veterinarians, forestry workers)
Bites to face and fingers (shorter incubation due to dense innervation)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • After any animal bite or scratch (urgent)
  • After bat contact (even if no bite was felt)
  • After contact with a suspected rabid animal
  • Before traveling to a rabies-risk area (pre-exposure vaccination)

Treatment Methods

01
Emergency wound care: wash with soap and water for at least 15 minutes + antiseptic
02
Category II: rabies vaccine (days 0, 3, 7, 14 IM)
03
Category III: rabies vaccine + rabies immunoglobulin (RIG — infiltrated around the wound)
04
Tetanus prophylaxis (if needed)
05
Animal observation for 10 days (when feasible)
06
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (days 0, 7 — for at-risk groups)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.