RLE118LME
CLINICAL CONFERENCE
SILAY CITY HEALTH OFFICE
ANIMAL BITE
Members:
Balbontin, Anna Leontina
Bandoja, Methuselah Jade
Bano, Ellen Marie
Boboli, Shenead
Carillo, Jemimah
Submitted to:
Ms. Ludy Cabalatungan-Maceda
BSN 4 GROUP 1
Animal Bites: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
Definition: Animal bites occur when an animal's teeth break the skin, causing injury.
What is rabies?
● Rabies is a viral disease most commonly spread to humans by bites from
infected animals.
● The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system, causing disease in the brain
and death.
● Rabies is a serious public health problem in over 150 countries and territories,
mainly in Asia and Africa. It is a viral, zoonotic, neglected tropical disease that
causes tens of thousands of deaths annually, with 40% being children under 15.
● Dog bites and scratches cause 99% of the human rabies cases, and can be
prevented through dog vaccination and bite prevention.
- Risk of infections (rabies, tetanus).
Who can get rabies?
Humans and all warm-blooded animals can get rabies.
Most cases in domestic animals occur in cats, dogs, cattle and horses. Rabies is rarely
seen in rodents such as mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, guinea pigs, hamsters, or
rabbits. Birds, turtles, lizards, fish and insects do not get rabies.
- Physical and psychological impact.
Early symptoms in people include fever, headache, general weakness or discomfort.
There may also be itching at the site of the bite. Symptoms may progress to include
anxiety, confusion, agitation, and then delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations and
insomnia.
Hypersensitivity to light and sound, and difficulty swallowing can also occur. In all
animals, initial signs of rabies may include fearfulness, restlessness, increased or
decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, a slight fever, enlargement of the pupils,
hypersensitivity to light and sound and excessive salivation. Animals often have
behavioral changes and may become either unusually aggressive or affectionate. In
wildlife, animals that normally only appear at night may appear in the daytime.
How soon do symptoms appear?
In human cases, symptoms develop one to three months after the exposure. In most
animal cases, signs develop three to eight weeks after the exposure.
- High global healthcare burden.
---
## **Slide 3: Common Causes**
- **Domestic Animals**:
- Dogs (most common globally).
- Cats (higher risk of infection due to sharp teeth).
- **Wild Animals**:
- Bats, raccoons, and foxes (notable for rabies risk).
- **Exotic Animals**:
- Pet snakes, monkeys, etc.
- **Human Factors**:
- Aggression or provocation.
- Lack of awareness about animal behavior.
How is rabies spread?
The virus is most commonly spread to people and animals through saliva when an
infected animal bites, scratches, or makes direct contact with the mucosa (e.g eyes,
mouth, or open wounds) another animal or person. Rabies is not spread by blood, urine
or feces. Infected animals can only transmit rabies after the initial signs of illness begin.
In nature, wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats serve as the major animals
that have the virus and can spread it to other animals or people (known as reservoirs).
In the District of Columbia, raccoons and bats are the most common reservoirs.---
## **Slide 4: Impact of Animal Bites**
- **Health Risks**:
- Infections (e.g., rabies, Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga).
- Tissue damage or amputation.
- **Psychological Effects**:
- Anxiety or PTSD in victims.
- **Economic Impact**:
- Cost of medical treatment.
- Loss of workdays.
---
## **Slide 5: Statistics**
- **Global Perspective**:
- Over 10 million animal bites reported annually.
- 59,000 deaths per year from rabies (WHO).
- **Age & Gender**:
- Children under 15 at higher risk.
- Males more frequently bitten than females.
---
## **Slide 6: First Aid and Immediate Response**
- **Steps to Take**:
- Clean the wound with soap and water.
- Apply pressure to stop bleeding.
- Cover with a sterile bandage.
- Seek medical care immediately.
- **Key Considerations**:
- Vaccination history of the victim and animal.
- Location and severity of the bite.
If you suspect rabies in an animal
that bit you, contact your physician immediately to determine if you need to start
vaccination (known as post-exposure prophylaxis). Treatment is highly
effective and life-saving only if received before symptoms develop. Recovery is very
rare and death usually occurs within two to 10 days. Any animal infected will die seven
to 10 days after the initial signs of rabies begin
Medical Management
Treatment Options:
● Antibiotics to prevent infection.
● Tetanus prophylaxis.
● Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
This is treatment after potential exposure to rabies (e.g., animal bite).
If Unvaccinated Before Exposure
● Rabies Vaccine: 4 doses
○ Schedule:
■ Day 0 (as soon as possible after exposure)
■ Day 3
■ Day 7
■ Day 14
○ Dosage: 1 mL per dose.
○ Route: Intramuscular (IM), given in the deltoid muscle for adults or the
anterolateral thigh for small children. Avoid the gluteal region.
● Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG): 1 dose
○ Dosage:
■ HRIG (Human Rabies Immunoglobulin): 20 IU/kg body weight.
■ ERIG (Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin): 40 IU/kg body weight.
○ Route:
■ Infiltrate as much as possible directly into and around the wound(s).
■ If excess remains, inject IM at a site distant from the vaccine
injection.
○ Timing: Administer only on Day 0.
If Previously Vaccinated
● Rabies Vaccine: 2 doses
○ Schedule: Day 0 and Day 3.
○ Dosage: 1 mL per dose.
○ Route: Intramuscular (IM).
● RIG: Not required.
2. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
This is preventive vaccination for high-risk individuals like veterinarians or travelers to
rabies-endemic areas.
● Rabies Vaccine: 3 doses
○ Schedule: Day 0, Day 7, and Day 21 or 28.
○ Dosage: 1 mL per dose.
○ Route: Intramuscular (IM).
Summary:
● Unvaccinated PEP: 4 vaccine doses (Day 0, 3, 7, 14) + 1 RIG dose (Day 0).
● Previously Vaccinated PEP: 2 vaccine doses (Day 0, 3).
● PrEP: 3 vaccine doses (Day 0, 7, 21/28).
Surgical Interventions:
● For severe tissue damage.
Psychological Support:
● Counseling for trauma victims.
Prevention Strategies
Animal Behavior Education:
● Teach children safe interactions with animals.
Pet Vaccination:
● Ensure domestic animals are vaccinated against rabies.
Responsible Ownership:
● Leash laws and training.
Wildlife Awareness:
● Avoid contact with stray or wild animals.
Public Health Measures
Global Efforts:
● Rabies elimination campaigns.
● Community vaccination drives.
Policy Support:
● Stray animal management programs.
● Education initiatives.
Key Takeaways:
● Animal bites are preventable with proper awareness and care.
● Immediate response can reduce health risks.
● Collaboration is vital for public health success.
How can people protect themselves against rabies?
You can protect yourself against rabies by vaccinating domestic animals and keeping
them away from wildlife. Avoid touching, handling, feeding or other contact with
wild animals. Report any stray or ill animals to DC Animal Control since these animals
may be unvaccinated or ill. See your doctor for any injury due to an animal attack.
Proper wound care and timely administration of PEP are crucial for protection against
rabies.
