MYTH
“The wound is small.”
Any scratch that breaks the skin can pass rabies. Even a small one needs a doctor the same day.1
EDUCATE TO PREVENT
Knowledge is the first defence against rabies. Learn to reduce exposure, respond correctly after a bite or scratch, and help others act before it is too late.
Learn the first 15 minutes
PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION
Understand the disease before the moment of risk.
A plain-language introduction to transmission, exposure, animal and human signs, and why action must happen before symptoms appear.
UNDERSTANDING RABIES
PREVENTING EXPOSURE
Read the situation.
Prevent the bite.
BUILD A LOCAL PLAN
Prevention : Community Efforts
A one-page template a school, ward or NGO fills in:
- 01
Map the risk.
Where do children walk to school? Where are dogs fed or garbage collects?
- 02
Clean up.
Work with the local body on waste and open garbage points that draw dogs.
- 03
Vaccinate dogs.
Hold or support a dog vaccination camp with the vet department. Vaccinating at least 70% of dogs can break the cycle.4
- 04
Know where to go.
List the nearest anti-rabies clinic, its hours and its phone number.
- 05
Know whom to call.
India: Rabies helpline 15400, currently live in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Puducherry and Delhi. List and keep handy your country’s national or local helpline numbers.5
- 06
Teach.
Run a lesson in every school once a year, using the classroom kit.
- 07
Report.
Agree how to report a suspected rabid dog and a bite.
SIGNATURE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The First 15 Minutes
After any bite, scratch, or lick on broken skin:
- Wash the wound under running water with soap for at least 15 minutes.1
- Apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine if you have it.
- Go to a doctor the same day. Don’t wait to see if the dog falls ill.
- Finish every dose the doctor gives you.
Don’t:2
- Don’t apply home remedies.
- Don’t touch the wound with bare hands.
- Don’t tie a bandage or get stitches at home.
Do not wait for symptoms. Do not use this tool as a substitute for medical assessment.
Emergency Response Card
Hover over the card, or tap it, to turn it over.
Download emergency response cardAUDIENCE HUBS
Right message. Right person. Right moment.
- How exposure happensWhich bites, scratches and licks can spread rabies, which cannot, and which animals to watch for.Go to this section
- Before symptoms appearWhy you must act before any signs show: the silent period, and why treatment works only if it starts early.Go to this section
- Understanding dog behaviourSix everyday situations with dogs, and the safe thing to do in each.Go to this section
- The first 15 minutesWash the wound, use an antiseptic, see a doctor the same day and finish every dose.Go to this section
- Myth vs factEight common beliefs about rabies, and the facts that correct them.Go to this section
MYTH VS FACT
Correct the beliefs
that delay action.
FACT
MYTH
“The dog looks healthy.”
A dog can carry rabies before it looks ill. You can’t tell by looking, so see a doctor.2
MYTH
“Washing is enough.”
Washing is the first step, not the last. You still need a doctor and every dose of the vaccine.1
MYTH
“Chilli, turmeric or oil on the wound helps.”
These help the virus get in and give false comfort. Use soap and water.2
MYTH
“Rabies shots are 14 injections in the stomach.”
Not any more. India stopped the old vaccine in 2004. Today’s vaccine goes in the arm in a few visits.2
MYTH
“You can’t eat certain foods during the vaccine.”
There are no food restrictions. Just avoid heavy drinking.2
MYTH
“Pregnant women and babies can’t have the vaccine.”
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, infancy and old age are not reasons to skip it.2
MYTH
“A vaccinated dog can’t give rabies.”
A well-vaccinated dog is protected, but you can’t be sure, so treat every bite.2