Bitten by stray animal?

Being bitten by a cat or dog is never a pleasant experience, and it carries the risk of tetanus and rabies. Therefore, it is good to know that the Turkish health services have an extremely organized and efficient system to make sure that with prompt and correct attention the fatal ‘worst case scenario’ can be avoided. All pets are supposed to be immunized against the fatal disease of rabies, but sadly enforcement is difficult, and this is compounded by the prevalence of strays roaming the streets and countryside.

Stray animals can also be carriers of this deadly and highly infectious virus, and bites or contact with infected saliva from an infected animal can pass on the disease to farm animals, including donkeys and cattle.

Humans are at risk from all of these animals, and for tourists and travelers it is essential to be aware of the risks of playing, stroking or otherwise making physical contact with an animal. But this risk should not mean that opportunities to explore are limited as long as certain precautions are taken and everyone is armed with the knowledge of what to do in the event of being bitten by an animal.

A few weeks ago, I ignored all the advice I used to give my children and friends visiting from abroad when I tried to rescue an injured feral cat, and I suffered the consequences. I learned to be more than a little wary of approaching an animal I don’t know, but also I learned what excellent assistance the Turkish health services provides.

Dr. Uğur Çomak, assistant medical director of Fethiye’s State Hospital, has all the information and statistics for Fethiye and Muğla at his fingertips. Regular conferences are held so that the medical profession is up-to-date on the latest technology. A globally integrated communication and treatment system is also in place in the event of a suspicious animal death. This also ensures that an immediate and efficient response can be activated if a human is bitten.

Last year’s statistics for the Fethiye area show that 484 patients who received bites were treated by the hospital. In total, 1,108 anti-rabies injections were administered. On arrival at the outpatient center, the patient receives a shot and a tetanus booster if necessary. Each anti-rabies treatment is comprised of five intra-muscular injections.

Until the end of the 1980s, injections were being given in the stomach. These were very uncomfortable, to the extent that people would try to avoid having them, but now the injections are given in the upper arm and are nearly pain free. In addition to these, two shots of specific anti-rabies globulin are also administered in the buttocks once at the start of treatment.

Treatment with an antiserum and vaccine works well if you receive them soon after being bitten. People who should be immunized against rabies include those who work with animals and travelers to remote areas where medical help may not be readily available.

So, what should an individual do should they get bitten, scratched (or in extreme cases licked) by an animal? The wound should be washed with soap under clean running water. If the animal is owned, the owner should produce an up-to-date rabies vaccine certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon. If the animal is not owned, or the owner cannot produce the certificate, the injured person should go immediately to the nearest state or private hospital emergency center.

The treatment must be completed and the hospital will require full contact details. In the event of your failure to show, they can send the police or gendarmerie forces to pick you up. It is in yours and society’s interest that any wound is treated and any animal behaving suspiciously is reported to the police or the gendarmerie. As in all things, compliance is much easier than avoidance.

In Fethiye, a very successful “Neuter and Return” program has meant many strays have been vaccinated against rabies, but the most important piece of advice would probably be to avoid petting, stroking and playing with animals you don’t know.

Category: Health, Local