The death of Ahmedabad police inspector Vanraj Manjaria from rabies after being scratched by a family friend’s pet dog has raised concerns about rabies transmission through minor scratches. Manjaria fell ill on September 15 and was diagnosed with rabies in the hospital, where two scratch marks were found on his feet. No bites were reported.
Doctors confirm that scratches can transmit rabies if the animal licks its paws before scratching, although the risk is low. Even vaccinated pets can pose some risk if their immunity is not fully verified or if they interact with unvaccinated stray animals. Mumbai-based internal medicine specialist Dr. Anuj Tiwari advises that any scratch or bite should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
A simple test to check if the skin is broken involves applying spirit to the scratch; a burning sensation indicates a breach, requiring both rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin. Post-exposure vaccination usually involves four doses on days 0, 3, 7, and 21 or 28, while immunoglobulin provides immediate protection at the wound site.
Rabies spreads through saliva, and rarely through scratches, mucous contact, or inhalation of virus in bat caves. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for people who frequently interact with animals.
Despite a 75% reduction in rabies deaths in India, around 5,700 fatalities still occur annually, mainly from dog bites. Immediate medical attention, proper wound care, and timely vaccination are crucial, as rabies remains nearly always fatal.
