Buzz
Recent news highlighted a Capitol Hill fox that bit nine individuals, including a Congressman and a journalist. While the fox sightings were initially entertaining, the situation turned grave when the fox was caught and tested positive for rabies.
During my high school years, I underwent the post-exposure rabies vaccination series after being bitten by a cat. I had attempted to rescue a kitten hit by a car, but it bit me and ran away, leaving me uncertain about its rabies status.
The post-exposure shots seemed excessive at the time—particularly because it involved a Friday night visit to the emergency room, where I received two injections (one in each buttock). This was followed by three additional shots, spaced out over the next two weeks.
Although the post-exposure rabies shots were inconvenient, they are a highly effective treatment when administered promptly, boasting nearly a 100% success rate. Here’s an overview of rabies risks and why vaccination might be necessary.
Essential Facts About Rabies
Without treatment, rabies is almost always fatal, with a 99.9% death rate. This virus is extremely dangerous, attacking and destroying the central nervous system. Approximately 59,000 people die from rabies annually, primarily in regions lacking widespread dog vaccinations and easy access to post-exposure rabies vaccines.
Rabies is usually transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, with bat bites and unvaccinated dogs being common sources. In the U.S., rabies-related deaths are rare, with five recorded last year—the highest number in a decade.
Surviving an active rabies infection is exceedingly rare. The only known treatment involves inducing a coma and administering antivirals. This method, developed decades ago, has limited success, with death remaining the most probable outcome.
If administered promptly after exposure, the post-exposure rabies vaccination series is nearly 100% effective in preventing the disease.
What to Expect from the Post-Exposure Rabies Series
Previously, the post-exposure rabies series involved a stomach injection. Fortunately, this is no longer necessary. The first two shots are now administered in the buttocks, with the subsequent doses given in the arm.
The initial two shots, administered on the day of exposure or as soon as possible afterward, include a dose of the rabies vaccine and human rabies immunoglobulin. The immunoglobulin provides immediate, short-term protection against the virus, while the vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against rabies.
Following the first two doses, three additional vaccine shots are required, administered on days 3, 7, and 14.
Reasons You Might Require the Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccine
Due to its high cost, the rabies vaccine is typically administered only after potential exposure. However, individuals in high-risk occupations, such as veterinarians or wildlife control experts, may need a pre-exposure vaccine series.
The CDC also advises considering the pre-exposure vaccine series for travelers heading to remote areas with limited medical access or those planning to stay over a month in regions with high dog rabies prevalence.
The pre-exposure vaccine series consists of three shots spread over a month. Depending on the level of risk, booster doses may be required at intervals determined by ongoing exposure.
