Medicines for Rabies

What it is

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system, spread to humans through the bite, scratch or lick on broken skin of an infected animal — most often dogs in affected countries, and sometimes bats. It is present in many parts of the world, though not in most animals in the UK. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal, which makes it one of the most important reasons to act quickly after any animal exposure abroad. Early symptoms can be non-specific, followed by neurological symptoms. The crucial point is that rabies is almost entirely preventable if the right treatment is given promptly after exposure, before symptoms begin — so it is treated as a medical urgency.

How it is treated

The key is prevention and prompt post-exposure treatment. After any bite, scratch or lick from a potentially infected animal (especially abroad), the wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and running water for several minutes, and urgent medical advice sought — even if the injury seems minor and even days later. Treatment after exposure involves a course of rabies vaccine, and in some cases an additional antibody treatment, which is highly effective at preventing the disease if started in time. People travelling to higher-risk areas, or whose work involves animals, may be offered rabies vaccination beforehand. Because there is no effective treatment once symptoms start, acting promptly after exposure is everything.