Overview

India has a high burden of rabies deaths. Not all bites transmit rabies, but any unprovoked bite must be treated seriously.

Causes

• Aggressive or unvaccinated dogs
• Rabid or stray animals
• Provoking animals

Symptoms

• Wound, swelling, redness
• Fever, muscle pain (if infected)
• Rabies symptoms: hydrophobia, confusion, spasms

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• First Aid: Wash wound with soap under running water for 15 min
• Treatment:
  • Anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) — 5 doses
  • Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) if severe bite
  • Tetanus shot, antibiotics if needed

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

(Supportive only — NOT alternative to vaccination)

• Ayurveda: Neem paste, Turmeric for wound healing
• Siddha/Unani: Herbal antiseptic pastes
• Homeopathy: Lyssin (only complementary, not replacement)
• Nutraceuticals: Vitamin C, Zinc (for wound healing)

Caution

• Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms begin
• No delay in starting vaccine

Prevention

• Avoid stray dogs
• Vaccinate pets
• Educate children about animal behavior