Specialized care at GHCCD

Rabies Prevention & Post-Exposure Care

GHCCD Visakhapatnam provides immediate Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. Free vaccines and expert wound care for animal bites and scratches.

Specialist clinic care for rabies exposureGHCCD service overview

Introduction

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal (like a dog, cat, or monkey). The virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly always fatal, making immediate treatment after exposure critical.

Symptoms (Advanced Stage)

  • Fear of water (hydrophobia)
  • Confusion and aggression
  • Excessive salivation
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis
  • Difficulty swallowing

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Bites or deep scratches from infected animals
  • Saliva from an infected animal entering an open wound or mucous membrane
  • Not receiving immediate vaccination after an animal bite

Our Treatment Approach at GHCCD

GHCCD is the primary center for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in the region. Treatment involves immediate, thorough wound washing with soap and water—a simple step that can save lives. We provide the full course of Rabies Vaccines and Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) for high-risk bites.

We follow the latest WHO protocols for rabies prevention. Because we provide these life-saving vaccines for free, we ensure that every victim of an animal bite has access to the treatment that prevents this fatal disease.

When to Visit GHCCD

If you are bitten or scratched by any animal (domestic or wild), wash the wound immediately and come to GHCCD without delay. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

FAQ

Q: Are rabies vaccines free at GHCCD? A: Yes, the entire post-exposure vaccination schedule is provided free of cost at GHCCD.

Patient information

More about this service

Rabies

Rabies

Rabies is a deadly viral infection caused by the rabies virus, which primarily spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs, bats, raccoons, and other wild mammals. Once the virus enters the body, it travels to the brain, causing encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The incubation period can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors like the location of the bite and the amount of virus introduced. Early symptoms are often nonspecific, including fever, headache, and fatigue, but as the disease progresses, severe neurological symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), paralysis, and coma develop. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost universally fatal.

Treatment For Rabies

Management of rabies focuses on prevention and immediate post-exposure treatment. If exposure is suspected, prompt wound cleaning with soap and water is critical to reduce the risk of infection. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the key to preventing the onset of rabies and involves a series of rabies vaccinations and, in certain cases, rabies immune globulin (RIG) administration. PEP is highly effective if administered before symptoms develop. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment once clinical symptoms appear, making early intervention crucial. Vaccination of pets, control of stray animals, and public health education are essential strategies to prevent rabies exposure and transmission.

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Answers about Rabies

Good to know

What should visitors know about Rabies?

GHCCD provides information about Rabies. A qualified clinician should assess symptoms and recommend appropriate care; contact the hospital to confirm current services.

Service at a glance

Page category
Communicable-disease information
Institution
GHCCD Visakhapatnam
Service availability
Confirm directly with GHCCD
Patient information

Frequently asked questions

How can I get help for Rabies at GHCCD?

Contact GHCCD or visit the appropriate outpatient service. The clinical team can confirm current evaluation, treatment and referral options.