What should you know about rabies attack?

Rabies can spread when saliva from an infected mammal enters a bite, scratch, open wound, or the eyes, mouth, or nose. A bite is the clearest concern, but a scratch contaminated with saliva can also need assessment. Risk depends on the animal, its behaviour and health, the location of the exposure, and whether it can be observed or tested. Symptoms are not a safe way to decide whether exposure mattered.

Wash and flush the affected area with soap and running water as soon as possible. Use an antiseptic if available, but do not delay washing. Do not tightly close a deep wound yourself. Seek urgent medical care and explain exactly what happened, including the animal species, whether it was domestic or stray, where the contact occurred, and when it happened.

A clinician will assess whether rabies post-exposure treatment is needed and may also review tetanus protection, infection risk, and the need for wound repair. Do not wait for symptoms.

Seek emergency help for uncontrolled bleeding, a deep wound, injury to the face or neck, saliva in the eye or mouth, breathing difficulty, loss of movement, or rapidly increasing swelling. Any possible rabies exposure deserves prompt advice, even if the wound looks small or the animal has disappeared.

Ask whether the contact requires post-exposure treatment, what doses or follow-up are needed, whether the animal should be reported, and how to monitor the wound for bacterial infection.