31/03/2025
FYI:
If exposed to rabies, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involves immediate wound cleaning, a dose of rabies immune globulin (ERIG), and a series of rabies vaccine doses administered on days 0, 3, 7, and with a fourth dose on day 30.
What to do?
Wound Cleaning:
Immediately clean and rinse the wound thoroughly with soap and running water.
What is an ERIG?
Equine Rabies Immune Globulin (ERIG):
Administered at the time of the first medical visit.
Infiltrated into and around the wound, with any remaining volume administered in a different location.
ERIG provides immediate protection while the body develops immunity from the vaccine.
Rabies Vaccine:
For those who have never been vaccinated:
The first dose is given on day 0 (the day of exposure).
Subsequent doses are administered on days 3, 7, 30.
For those who have been previously vaccinated:
Only two doses of vaccine are needed, given on days 0 and 3.
ERIG is NOT administered.
Importance of Prompt Treatment:
Rabies is almost always fatal if left untreated, so it's crucial to seek medical attention and initiate PEP as soon as possible after a potential exposure.