Frequently Asked Questions

It is one of the oldest and most feared zoonotic diseases, nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but entirely preventable.

Most commonly through the bite of an infected animal, via saliva. It can also spread through mucous membrane contact or organ transplants.

Dogs and cats are the main reservoirs in India, followed by wild animals like foxes, jackals, and mongooses.

Rarely, through organ transplantation or bite from a rabies patient.

Rat bites generally do not transmit rabies, but bites from mongooses or wild animals require vaccination.

Typically 3 weeks to 3 months, but can range from 4 days to several years.

Pain, itching, or tingling at the bite site, fever, malaise, and sensitivity to air currents.

• Furious (encephalitic) rabies with hydrophobia and hallucinations.
• Dumb (paralytic) rabies with muscle weakness and coma.

Hydrophobia (fear of water) and aerophobia (fear of air currents).

No. Once symptoms appear, rabies is fatal. Prevention through vaccination is the only protection.

PEP includes wound cleaning, categorization of bite, vaccination, and administration of Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG).

Yes. Washing with soap and water for at least 15 minutes reduces rabies risk by about 50%.

No. Suturing should be delayed until after RIG infiltration to avoid trapping the virus.

• Category I: Touching/licks on intact skin → No treatment.
• Category II: Minor scratches → Vaccine.
• Category III: Bites/saliva on broken skin → Vaccine + RIG.

Purified Vero Cell Vaccine (PVRV), Purified Chick Embryo Cell Vaccine (PCECV), Human Diploid Cell Vaccine (HDCV), and Purified Duck Embryo Vaccine (PDEV).

Yes, modern vaccines are safe in both cases.

No. Multiple doses are required; no vaccine provides lifelong immunity.

RIG provides immediate passive immunity during the “window period” before the vaccine takes effect.

On September 28th every year, to raise awareness and promote prevention.