⚠️ Emergency Guide
If you or someone has been bitten or scratched by any animal — follow these steps immediately. Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear but 100% preventable with prompt action. Every hour counts.
⚠️ Do not wait for symptoms. Rabies symptoms appear weeks after a bite — by then it is too late. Act now.
Emergency Protocol
These steps are based on WHO guidelines. Follow them in order, immediately after any bite or scratch from an animal — domestic or wild.
Use soap and running water for a minimum of 15 minutes. This is the single most important step — it physically removes the virus. Do this before anything else, even before calling a doctor. Count to 900 or sing two songs while washing.
Apply iodine, 70% alcohol, or antiseptic solution to the wound. Do not cover it tightly — leave it open to reduce bacterial contamination. Do not apply chilli, oil, herbs, or any traditional remedy.
Do not wait. Do not watch for symptoms. Go to the nearest hospital, health centre, or clinic straight away. Tell them you were bitten or scratched by an animal and ask specifically about rabies post-exposure treatment. Time between bite and treatment is critical.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a series of vaccine doses (usually 4–5 over 14 days). If rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is recommended by the doctor, accept it. PEP is nearly 100% effective when started promptly — it prevents the virus from reaching the brain.
Even if you feel completely fine — complete all doses on schedule. Rabies hides silently during incubation. Missing doses removes your protection at the most critical time. The full course is what saves your life.
Access & Cost
Access to rabies post-exposure treatment varies significantly by country. Here is an honest guide.
Free through the public health system. Go to A&E or your nearest hospital after any animal bite. PEP is provided at no cost.
Free or subsidised at government hospitals, but often unavailable in rural areas. Private clinics charge €25–95 for a full course. Stock shortages are common.
Critical gap. PEP may cost $50–200 and be hours away. This is the primary reason children die — not ignorance alone, but inaccessibility. Advocating for free access is core to WhatIsRabies.com's mission.
Find WHO-listed rabies treatment centres and emergency contacts in your country.
WHO Rabies Resources →