Which animal bites require a rabies vaccine?
Apr 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Rabies vaccination is usually required after being bitten by animals such as cats, dogs, or bats. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that eliminate the rabies virus in the body. Without vaccination, the virus may invade the central nervous system, leading to rabies infection—a severe acute zoonotic infectious disease with a high fatality rate. Patients typically develop hydrophobia (fear of water), and in severe cases, may experience generalized painful convulsions.
Generally, rabies vaccination is required after being bitten by animals such as cats, dogs, or bats. The detailed explanation is as follows:
After being bitten by animals such as cats, dogs, or bats, it is important to receive the rabies vaccine promptly. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that can eliminate the rabies virus in the body. Without vaccination, the virus may invade the central nervous system and cause rabies, an acute zoonotic infectious disease with high risk. Patients typically develop hydrophobia—experiencing fear, spasms of the throat muscles, and difficulty swallowing upon seeing water or hearing the sound of water. Symptoms may also include hoarseness or dehydration, and severe cases may lead to generalized painful convulsions.
After an animal bite, one should promptly go to the hospital and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.
