Question
A 1-year-old baby was bitten by a dog this afternoon, with a minor skin tear, and has not yet gone to a medical facility for treatment. Is it necessary to administer a rabies vaccine to the baby?
Answer
If the baby had bleeding upon contact with the dog, there is a risk of rabies infection. Immediate cleaning of the wound with soap and water and disinfection with iodine alcohol is recommended. The rabies vaccine should be started within 24 hours of the injury and completed with the full five-dose regimen. It is advised to bring the child to a pediatrician at the hospital and pay attention to keeping the child warm, avoiding cold (common cold) and fever. You should maintain a light diet yourself and encourage the child to drink plenty of water to promote the excretion of metabolic products and recovery. Additionally, strengthen the child’s care.