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Rabies Exposures: New Guidelines On The Management of (Administrative Order No. 2014-0012)
Rabies Exposures: New Guidelines On The Management of (Administrative Order No. 2014-0012)
Management of Rabies
Exposures (Administrative
Order No. 2014-0012).
Department of Health
San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Telefax No.: 743-1829
Telephone No.: 743-8301 loc. 1125, 1127, 1128
Rabies
Department of Health
San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Telefax No.: 743-1829; Telephone No.: 743-8301 loc. 1125, 1127, 1128
CATEGORY I
a) Feeding/touching an animal. 1) Wash exposed skin immediately with soap and
b) Licking of intact skin (with reliable history and water.
thorough physical examination). 2) No vaccine or RIG needed.
c) Exposure to patient with signs and symptoms of 3) Pre-exposure prophylaxis may be considered for
rabies by sharing of eating or drinking utensils. high risk persons.
d) Casual contact (talking to, visiting and feeding
suspected rabies cases) and routine delivery of
health care to patient with signs and symptoms
of rabies
CATEGORY II
a) Nibbling of uncovered skin with or without bruising/ 1. Wash wound with soap and water.
hematoma. 2. Start vaccine immediately:
b) Minor/superficial scratches/abrasions without a. Complete vaccination regimen until Day 28
bleeding, including those induced to bleed. (see Table 1a) if:
c) All Category II exposures on the head and neck area i) biting animal is laboratory proven to be rabid OR
are considered Category III and shall be ii) biting animal is killed/died without laboratory
managed as such. testing OR
iii) biting animal has signs and symptoms of rabies
OR
iv) biting animal is not available for observation for
14 days
b. May omit Day 28 dose if:
i) biting animal is alive AND remains healthy after the
14-day observation period, OR
ii) biting animal died within the 14 days observation
period, confirmed by veterinarian to have no signs
and symptoms of rabies and was FAT-negative
3. RIG is not indicated
CATEGORY III
a) Transdermal bites (puncture wounds, lacerations, 1. Wash wound with soap and water.
avulsions) or scratches/abrasions with spontaneous 2. Start vaccine and RIG immediately:
bleeding a. Complete vaccination regimen until Day 28
b) Licks on broken skin or mucous mebrane (see Table 1a) if:
c) Exposure to a rabies patient through bites, i) biting animal is laboratory proven to be rabid OR
contamination of mucous membranes (eyes, oral/ ii) biting animal is killed/died without laboratory
nasal mucosa, genital/anal mucous membrane) testing OR
or open skin lesions with body fluids through iii) biting animal has signs and symptoms of rabies
splattering and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation OR
d) Unprotected handling of infected carcass iv) biting animal is not available for observation for
e) Ingestion of raw infected meat 14-days
f) Exposure to bats b. May omit Day 28 dose if:
g) All Category II exposures on head and neck area i) biting animal is alive AND remains healthy after the
14-day observation period OR
ii) biting animal died within the 14 days observation
period confirmed by veterinarian to have no signs
and symptoms of rabies and was FAT-negative
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Rabies
producing his or her own antibodies after vaccination. c.4. Administration
This is especially important for patients with Category
III exposures. RIGs have a half-life of approximately c.4.1 The total computed dose of RIG shall
21 days. be infiltrated around and into the wound
as much as anatomically feasible, even
a. Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG) derived from if the lesion has healed. In case some
plasma of human donors administered at 20 IU per amount of the total computed dose of
kilogram of body weight. Available preparation is 2 RIG is left after all wounds have been
mL/vial; 150 IU/mL. infiltrated, it shall be administered deep
b. Highly purified antibody antigen binding fragments IM at a site distant from the site of vaccine
[F(ab’)2] produced from equine rabies immune injection (preferably anterolateral thigh)
globulin (ERIG) administered at 40 IU per kilogram using another needle. The total computed
body weight. Available preparation is 5 mL/vial; 200 dose shall be administered as a single
IU/mL. dose.
c. Equine Rabies Immune Globulin (ERIG) derived from c.4.2 A gauge 23 or 24 needle, 1 inch length
purified, horse serum administered at 40 IU per kilo- shall be used for infiltration. Multiple
gram body weight. Available preparation is 5 mL/vial; needle injections into the same wound
200 IU/mL shall be avoided.
c.4.3 A skin test shall be performed prior to
c.1. Types of Rabies Immune Globulins ERIG administration using a gauge 26
needle. For skin testing, 0.02 mL of 1:10
Table 3. List of Rabies Immune Globulins pro- dilution of solution is infiltrated to raise
vided by the NRPCP to Animal Bite Treatment a bleb 3 mm and read after 15 minutes.
Centers A positive skin test is an induration >6
mm surrounded by a flare/erythema. If
Generic Name Preparation Dose initial skin test is positive, repeat skin
test on same arm; use distilled water as
Human Rabies 150 IU/mL at 20 IU/kg control on the other arm. The skin test
Immune Globulin 2 mL/vial shall be considered positive if the ERIG
(HRIG) skin test is positive but the control is
negative.
Purified Equine 200 IU/mL at 40 IU/kg c.4.4. If a finger or toe needs to be infiltrated,
Rabies Immune 5 mL/vial care shall be taken to ensure that blood
Globulin (pERIG) circulation is not impaired. Injection of an
excessive amount may lead to cyanosis,
c.2. Rabies Immune Globulin Criteria swelling, and pain.
c.4.5 RIG shall not exceed the computed dose
To ensure that only safe and efficacious RIG are
as it may reduce the efficacy of the vac-
provided by the National Rabies Prevention and
cine. If the computed dose is insufficient to
Control Program to all ABTCs, the program shall
infiltrate all bite wounds, it may be diluted
be guided by the following criteria in procuring
with sterile saline 2 or 3 fold for thorough
the RIG:
infiltration of all wounds.
c.2.1 RIG must be registered and approved by c.4.6 RIG shall always be given in combination
the FDA; with rabies vaccine. RIG shall be admin-
c.2.2 RIG must be proven to be safe and effec- istered at the same time as the first dose
tive when used together with anti-rabies of rabies vaccine (Day 0). In case RIG
vaccine as evidenced by publication on is unavailable on Day 0, it may still be
peer reviewed journals. These include given until 7 days after the first dose of
studies on: the vaccine. Beyond Day 7, regardless
• Safety; of whether Day 3 and Day 7 doses were
• Non-interference when used with anti- received, RIG is not indicated because
rabies vaccine; an active antibody response to the rabies
• Animal survivorship, if any; and CCV/EEV/TCV has already started and
• Post-marketing surveillance interference between active and passive
immunization may occur.
c.2.3 Results of RFFIT showing antibody con- c.4.7. In the event that RIG and vaccine cannot
tent as claimed by the manufacturer. be given on the same day, the vaccine
shall be given before RIG because the
c.3. Computation and Dosage of Rabies Immune latter inhibits the level of neutralizing
Globulin antibodies induced by immunization.
c.4.8. RIG shall be given only once during the
HRIG at 20 IU/kg body weight (150 IU/mL)
• same course of PEP.
50 kg patient x 20 IU/kg = 1000 IU c.4.9. Patients with Positive skin test to purified
1000 IU ÷ 150 IU/mL = 6.7 mL ERIG shall be given HRIG.
ERIG/F(ab’)2 at 40 IU/kg body weight (200
• c.4.10. Patient shall be observed for at least one
IU/mL) hour after injection of ERIG for immediate
50 kg patient x 40 IU/kg = 2000 IU allergic reactions.
2000 IU �������������������
÷ 200
�����������������
IU/mL = 10 mL c.4.11. HRIG is preferred for the following:
142
Rabies
local reaction at injection site (swell-
Table 8. Shortened Intramuscular Schedule (CDC) ing of entire upper arm).
d.7.2 Unavailability of initial vaccine
Day of used.
immunization PVRV PCECV Site of injection d.8. Since no immunogenicity studies have been
done regarding change in route of vaccine
Day 0 0.5 mL 1.0 mL One deltoid or antero- administration (i.e. shift ftrom IM to ID or
lateral thigh in infants vice versa), shifting from one regimen to
Day 3 0.5 mL 1.0 mL One deltoid or antero- another shall NOT be recommended. As
lateral thigh in infants much as possible the initial regimen shall
be completed. In extreme circumstances
Day 7 0.5 mL 1.0 mL One deltoid or antero- that shifting has to be done from IM to ID
lateral thigh in infants regimen or vice versa, vaccination shall be
restarted from day 0 using the new regi-
Day 14 0.5 mL 1.0 mL One deltoid or antero- men.
lateral thigh in infants d.9. Bites by rodents, guinea pigs and rabbits
do not require rabies post exposure prophy-
d. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis under Special laxis.
Conditions d.10. Bites by domestic animals (dog, cat) and
livestock (cows, pigs, horses, goats, etc.)
d.1. Pregnancy and infancy shall NOT be con- as well as wild animals (bats, monkeys, etc)
traindications to treatment with purified cell shall require PEP.
culture vaccines (PVRV, PCECV) and RIG.
d.2. Babies who are born of rabid mothers shall e. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis of Previously Im-
be given rabies vaccination as well as RIG munized Animal Bite Patients
as early as possible at birth. e.1. Local wound treatment shall always be
d.3. Patients with hematologic conditions where carried out.
IM injection is contraindicated shall receive e.2. Persons with repeat exposure after
rabies vaccine by ID route. having previously received complete
d.4. Patients with chronic liver disease and primary immunization with Tissue Culture
those taking chloroquine, and systemic Vaccine (TCV) and persons who were
steroids shall be given standard IM regi- exposed to rabies after completing the Pre-
men as the response to ID regimen is Exposure Prophylaxis against rabies with
not optimum for these conditions. Vac- TCV shall be vaccinated as follows (see
cination shall not be delayed in these Table 9):
circumstances as it increases the risk of
rabies. Table 9. PEP Schedule for Previously Immunized
d.5. Immunocompromised individuals (such as Animal Bite Patients
those with HIV infection, cancer/transplant
patients, patients on immunosuppressive PrEP/PEP History
therapy etc.) shall be given vaccine using (Regardless of type of TCV & Give
Management
standard IM regimen and RIG for both route of administration in RIG
Category II and III exposures. previous PrEP/PEP)
d.6. Exposed persons who present for
Patient received the complete Give 0.1 mL ID
evaluation or treatment weeks or months pre-exposure prophylaxis on dose at 1 site
after the bite shall be treated as if expo- Days 0, 7, and 21/28 using each on D0
sure has occurred recently. However, if TCV and D3
the biting animal has remained healthy OR No OR
and alive with no signs of rabies until Patient received at least 1 vial IM dose
14 days after the bite, no treatment is Days 0, 3, 7 of ID/IM at 1 site each
needed. dose using TCVs on D0 and D3
d.7. Interchangeability of modern rabies vac-
Patient did not complete Give full course
cine brands or types shall not be recom- the 3 doses of PrEP Give if of PEP
mended. However, in countries such as OR indicated
the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, France Patient received only 1 or
and Germany it has been practiced for 2 ID/IM dose of the PEP
many years without reported untoward
events, each time circumstances made it e.3. The following patients are considered to
inevitable to interchange vaccine used for have completed the primary immuniza-
administration. Shifting from one vaccine tion:
brand to another shall not be recommended e.3.1. Those who have received day 0, 7,
but may be warranted in the following 28 of pre-exposure prophylaxis
circumstances, provided that it is one e.3.2. Those who have received at least day
of the WHO recommended cell culture 0, 3, 7 of post-exposure treatment
vaccines: e.4 Booster doses may be given ID (0.1 mL for
d.7.1 Hypersensitivity reaction such as PVRV or PCECV) or IM (0.5 mL for PVRV
generalized rash, anaphylaxis, or 1.0 mL for PCECV).
severe generalized pruritis, severe e.5 Patients who have previously received
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Rabies
Table 10. Clinical Signs of Animal Rabies
Prodromal Stage (usually lasts 2-3 days; sometimes only a few hours)
Clinical Rabies
Furious Stage (usually lasts 1-7 days) Paralytic (dumb) stage (develops 2-10 days afte
clinical signs; usually lasts 2-4 days)
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Rabies
Table 11. Pre-exposure schedule
PVRV PCECV
Regimen
Day 0 Day 7 Day 21/28 Day 0 Day 7 Day 21/28
Table 12. Routine booster schedule for individuals given pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
High Risk (exposures 1. Health workers handling - 1 booster dose 1 year after primary immunization
may not be known) rabies cases a. One (1 site) 0.1 mL ID dose of PVRV or
2. Workers in rabies laboratories PCEC on DO; OR
3. Veterinarians b. One (1 site) vial of 0.5 mL PVRV or 1.0 mL
4. Veterinary students PCEC given intramuscularly on D0
5. Animal handlers (dog trainers, - thereafter, 1 booster, if Ab titers fall below
workers in pet shops, zoos, etc) 0.5 IU/mL
OR
- in the absence of serological testing,
1 booster dose every 5 years
Low Risk (exposures General Population No routine booster after primary immunization
are known)
f.3.2 The dog/cat is proven rabid/sick/dead It is recommended that children 2-10 years
with no laboratory exam for rabies/ old shall also be immunized because of the
not available before or during the increased risk and severity of animal bites in
consultation/dies within observation this age group
period.
f.3.3. The dog/cat is involved in at least 3 c. Regimen (Table 11)
biting incidents within 24 hours or; ID regimen – 0.1 mL shall be at one site
f.3.4 Dog/cat manifests the following be- only for all vaccine types on days 0, 7 and
havior changes suggestive of rabies 21/28
before, during or after the biting IM regimen – 1 vial of 0.5 mL for PVRV or 1
incident (see Table 10): mL of PCECV shall be given on days 0, 7,
and 21/28
f.4. PEP shall not be required for bite/s of the
d. Routine booster schedule for individual given
following biting animals: rats, mouse, rab-
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis:
bits, snakes and other reptiles, birds and
Not all individual who have completed the PrEP
other avian, insects and fish.
shall receive routine booster doses of anti-rabies
2. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis vaccine. Only high risk individuals whose expo-
a. Benefits sures may not be known are recommended to
The need for passive immunization product have routine booster doses.
(RIG) is eliminated
PET vaccine regimen is reduced from five to D. Management of the Biting Animal
two doses
Protection against rabies is possible if PET 1. The biting animal shall be observed for 14 days.
is delayed Adequate animal care shall be provided during
Protection against inadvertent exposure to the observation period.
rabies is possible
The cost of PEP is reduced 2. It is advisable for patients to consult a veterinarian,
whenever possible, regarding biting animal man-
b. Target population agement especially when any of the following is
Personnel in rabies diagnostic laboratories observed:
Veterinarians and veterinary students a. sudden change of behavior (from mild to vicious
Animal handlers temperament or vice versa)
Health care workers directly involved in care b. characteristic hoarse howl
of rabies patients c. watchful, apprehensive expression of the eyes,
Individuals directly involved in rabies control staring, blank gaze
Field workers d. drooling of saliva
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Rabies
e. paralysis or uncoordinated gait of hind legs G. Injection Safety:
f. marked restlessness, pacing in cage
g. if at large runs aimlessly, biting anything in its A safe injection is defined by the World Health Organi-
way zation as an injection that:
h. depraved appetite, self mutilation • Does not harm the recipient
i. in some cases, lies quiescent, biting when • Does not expose the health staff to any avoidable
provoked risks
j. snaps at imaginary objects • Does not result in waste that is dangerous to the
k. paralysis of lower jaw and tongue; inability to community.
drink
l. sudden death without associated S/Sx 1. Injection Equipment
3. PEP may be discontinued if the biting animal a. Auto-Disable (AD) Syringes – are disposable
remains healthy after the 14 days observation injection devices that are especially made to
period prevent re-use and are therefore less likely than
standard disposable syringes to cause person-
4. if the animal dies or gets sick, the head shall be to-person transmission of blood-borne diseases.
submitted to the nearest rabies diagnostic labora- The program recommends that health workers
tory for testing. shall use AD syringe in their respective ABTC.
b. Conventional Syringes – are plastic syringes
E. Dispensing of Anti-Rabies Immunizing Agent with steel needles that are provided usually by
the manufacturer in sterile package. The needle
1. Patients needing PEP shall be referred to the may either be fixed to the syringe when it is
nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center/Animal produced or attached by the health staff just
Bite Clinic where anti-rabies immunizing agents before use.
(vaccines and RIG) are administered.
2. The following procedures shall be observed when 2. Management of Sharp Waste
assessing animal bite patients and dispensing
Used syringes and needles shall never be dumped
anti-rabies immunizing agents:
in open areas where people might pick them up, step
a. Assess the victim thoroughly and record in the
on them, or come in contact with them in any way.
Municipal/City/Hospital Rabies Surveillance
Form (Facility-based form).
The need to better manage used or contaminated
b. Decide whether or not to initiate treatment using
sharps shall be through the use of safety boxes
the Revised Guidelines on the Management of
or sharp containers. These are puncture-resistant
Animal Bite Patients as reference containers where used syringes and needles can
c. If the situation warrants immunization (Category be immediately and temporarily stored after use
II and Category III), the patient shall be given until its final disposal.
the intradermal regimen. The other approved
regimens may be used if the ID regimen is not 3. Waste disposal
feasible.
d. If indicated, the patient shall be provided Collector boxes filled with used syringes and
the required dose of passive immunization needles shall be immediately brought to its final
products/RIG, if available, preferably ERIG or disposal. The program recommends the following
F(ab’)2. methods of disposal:
e. Explain your decision to the patient with par- • Use of septic vault
ticular emphasis on adherence to treatment • Pit burial; and
schedules, if immunization is indicated. • Waste treatment and final disposal to landfill
f. Observe courtesy and tactfulness when deal-
ing with patients particularly among individuals H. Roles and Responsibilities
who need not be immunized.
g. Give advice on the practice of Responsible Pet 1. Central Office
Ownership. The National Center for Disease Prevention and
Control shall be responsible for procurement,
F. Priorities for Dispensing Vaccines allocation and distribution of vaccines and RIG
and shall augment vaccine requirements for
The following shall be the program's order of priority low-income municipalities with high incidence of
for dispensing vaccines: rabies.
1. Patients bitten by animals found to be positive by
IFAT or for "negri bodies" regardless of type of All Centers for Health Development shall be given
bite exposure. allocation every quarter subject to availability.
2. Patients with Category III exposure.
3. Patients bitten by animals that are not available 2. Centers for Health Development
for observation (stray/slaughtered). The Centers for Health Development through
4. Individuals exposed to human rabies patients the Director and the Rabies Control Program
through bite/non-bite exposure as defined in Coordinator shall be responsible for distribu-
Table 1. tion of vaccines to the Provincial/City Health
5. Patients with Category II exposure. Offices.
146
Rabies
3. Local Government Units
Encouraged to enact and strictly enforce ordinance
relevant to rabies. The Provincial Rabies Control
Coordinators shall distribute the augmented
vaccines of the Department of Health to the
established Animal Bite Treatment Centers where
human anti-rabies immunizing agents (vaccines
and RIG) are administered. The LGUs shall be
encouraged to allocate funds for the procurement
of syringes and anti rabies vaccines for bite
victims.
VIII. EFFECTIVITY
ENRIQUE T. ONA, MD
Secretary of Health
148