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Hi Doctor, Today, I Went With My Wife And Two

Posted on Wed, 25 Nov 2020

Question: Hi Doctor, Today, I went with my wife and two kids of the age of 5 and 3 years old to the zoo. Unfortunately, the gate if hyena wasn't closed properly and it jumped in us. It scratched my kids and blood came out. Now, should I administer anti rabies vaccination on them along with Tetanus? I am very scared. Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam TK (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need vaccination, but better to discuss with zoo veterinarian

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Sorry to hear the story.

Usually we advise immediate and complete vaccination following scratch or bite with wild carnivores like Hyena, as they are considered rabid unless proven otherwise.

But, in our case the animal is contained in a zoo, and is available for examination and observation. Also, some zoos gives rabies shot to animals. So it is better to discuss with zoo officials(especially the veterinarian there) to assess the risk and proceed accordingly. If this not feasible now, we have to start the vaccination schedule.

Regarding tetanus, we need not give if they are fully vaccinated till age. Routine childhood vaccination schedule contains more than 3 tetanus shots; so need not repeat. Needed only if the schedule is incomplete.
Also, clean the area well with soap and water.

I hope this answer will help
Let me know if I can assist you further
Regards, Dr Aslam

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Muhammed Aslam TK (1 hour later)

Hi Dr. Aslam, Thank you for the advice. I tried to talk to the zoo doctor but they weren't available. I don't want to take any risks. Hence, I am going to visit a doctor tomorrow and start the administration of anti-rabies vaccine for both my kids. My son, who is 5 years old, has all his vaccination on schedule. But due to lockdown, I wasn't able to visit pediatrician to get her vaccinated as per schedule. Hence, I need to check with the doctor regarding tetanus. So, I am thinking of starting anti-rabies vaccine for my kids from tomorrow. Will they be safe after the complete 5 dosages of anti-rabies vaccine? Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam TK (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, they will be safe

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,

Rabies vaccine is highly efficacious. No rabies has been reported in a fully vaccinated individual so far. SO no need to worry, be confident and relaxed. Also, nothing wrong in waiting till tomorrow- not an emergency.

Hope I have answered your query
If you need further clarification, I will be happy to help; otherwise you can close the discussion and kindly rate the answer.
Wishing you good health.

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D