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New Guidelines on the

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

The Rabies Technical Working Group

Director, National Center for Disease Prevention Yolanda E. Oliveros, MD


and Control (NCDPC)
Director, NCDPC - Infectious Disease Office Jaime Y. Lagahid, MD
(NCDPC-IDO)
Division Chief, NCDPC- Infectious Disease Office Mario S. Baquilod, MD
National Program Manager, National Rabies Raffy A. Deray, MD
Prevention and Control Program, NCDPC-IDO

UP- Philippine General Hospital Cecile Montalban, MD


Research Institute for Tropical Medicine Beatriz Quiambao, MD
Research Institute for Tropical Medicine Nancy Bernal, MD
San Lazaro Hospital Efren Dimaano, MD
San Lazaro Hospital Ferdinand de Guzman, MD

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Rabies
drugs for cancer, AIDS, and HIV infected patients
New Guidelines on the Management and patients with immune deficiency. These patients
are expected to have lower immune response to im-
of Rabies Exposures munization
(Administrative Order No. 2014-0012) C. Incubation Period – refers to the period from the
time of exposure up to the appearance of first clinical
symptoms of rabies. It is extremely variable ranging
I. BACKGROUND/RATIONALE from 4 days to 7 years; but generally 20 to 90 days.
Rabies is a fatal disease in developing countries where D. Observation Period – refers to animal observation for
animal immunization and control of dogs are inadequate. 14 days from the time of bite until the appearance of
In view of the 100% case fatality of human rabies, the expected symptoms of rabies.
prevention of rabies infection after exposure is of utmost E. Passive Immunization – refers to the administration
importance. The Department of Health, having committed of pre-formed antibodies (immune globulins or pas-
itself to the prevention of human deaths due to rabies, sive immunization products) to provide immediate
provides vaccines for post exposure treatment through protection. These antibodies come from either human
the Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) to high risk or animal source.
exposed patients. F. Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – formerly post
exposure treatment (PET); refers to anti-rabies
Over the last five years, many studies have been con- treatment administered after an exposure (such as
ducted by both local and foreign researchers focusing bite, scratch, lick, etc.) to potentially rabid animals.
on changes in treatment modalities. The World Health It includes local wound care, administration of rabies
Organization has also issued new recommendations re- vaccine with or without Rabies Immune Globulin
lated to rabies exposure management or Post Exposure (RIG) depending on category of exposure.
Prophylaxis (PEP). Based on the available information, G. Pre exposure prophylaxis – refers to rabies vaccina-
the guideline on animal bite management is revised in tion administered before an exposure to potentially
order to provide more cost effective strategies for rabies rabid animals. This is usually given to those who are
prevention and control. The guidelines in the manage- at high risk of getting rabies such as veterinarians,
ment of animal bite cases are being updated every five animal handlers, staff in the rabies laboratory, hos-
years to integrate updated global recommendations. The pitals handling rabies patients and school children
last guidelines was released in 2007 (AO 2007-0029) and from high risk areas, etc.
amended in 2009. A joint DOH-DA Administrative Order H. Prodromal Period – refers to the period lasting for
(AO 2011-002) was also issued in 2011. 10 days with non-specific manifestations, which
include fever, sore throat, anorexia, nausea, vomiting,
Disease free zones initiative has been identified as one general­ized body malaise, headache, and abdominal
of the strategies to reduce public health threats alongside pain. Parasthesia or pain at the site of the bite is due
with enhanced health promotion and surveillance. The to viral multiplication at the spinal ganglion just before
initiatives aim to “mop up” diseases such as leprosy, it enters the brain.
schistosomiasis, filariasis, rabies and malaria. This would I. Rabid Animal – refers to biting animal with clinical
entail doing stratification of areas according to burden of manifestation of rabies and/or confirmed laboratory
diseases, validation of status of potential disease-free findings.
areas, and identification of appropriate interventions J. Suspected Rabid Animal – refers to biting animal
based on these stratification. with a potential to have rabies infection based on
unusual behavior, living condition like stray dogs,
II. OBJECTIVE endemicity of rabies in the area and no history of
immunization.
To provide new policy guidelines and procedure to K. Vaccine Potency- refers to the amount of accept-
ensure an effective and efficient management for even- able active ingredients in a rabies vaccine which is
tual reduction if not elimination of human rabies, and expected to provide at least minimum protection.
to increase voluntary pre-exposure coverage among
high risk group such as animal handlers, field workers,
V. GENERAL GUIDELINES
health staff working in the rabies unit, rabies diagnostic
laboratory staff, and children below 15 years old living in A. The Department of Health in collaboration with the
rabies endemic areas. Local Government Units (LGUs) shall be responsible
for the management of animal bite victims including
III. COVERAGE augmentation of human rabies vaccine.
All government health workers at all levels shall adopt B. Rabies Control Program shall be integrated to the
these treatment guidelines to ensure standard and regular health services provided by local health facili-
rational management of rabies exposures. Private prac- ties of bite victims, as a measure.
titioners in the country are strongly encouraged to adopt C. Post exposure vaccination shall be shared and car-
these treatment guidelines. ried out by the Department of Health and LGUs.
D. Funding requirements needed for operational sys-
IV. DEFINITION OF TERMS tems shall be secured prior to the implementation of
this policy.
A. Active Immunization – refers to the administration of E. Advocacy through information dissemination and train-
a vaccine to induce protective immune response. ing of health workers shall be conducted at all levels.
B. Immunocompromised host – refers to patients re- F. Collaboration among government agencies, non-
ceiving immunosuppressive drugs such as systemic government and private organizations to ensure
steroids (not topical or inhaled) and chemotherapeutic successful implementation shall be strengthened.
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Rabies
VI. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURE 2. There are no absolute contraindications to rabies
PEP. Patients allergic to a specific vaccine/RIG
A. Management of Potential Rabies Exposure or its components shall be given the alternative
vaccine/RIG.
1. Initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) shall
3. Table 1 shows the categories of exposure to a
not be delayed for any reason regardless of interval
rabid animal or to an animal suspected to be
between exposure and consultation as it increases
rabid, with their corresponding management
the risk of rabies and it is associated with treatment
guidelines:
failure.

Table 1. Categories of Rabies Exposure with Corresponding Management

Category of Exposure Management

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
Table 1a. Management of patients with Category II as recommended by the World Health Organization, in
and III exposure where the biting animal cannot be order to totally discontinue the use of nerve tissue vac-
observed or dies within the 14 days observation cine (NTV) which was associated with vaccine induced
period encephalopathy. To mitigate the expected increase in the
cost of PEP with the shift from NTV to TCV, the ID use of
FAT Signs & Give 3 doses Give Day these vaccines was introduced. According to WHO, the
Result Symptoms of (Day zero Twenty ID use of tissue culture vaccines can decrease the cost
Rabies in (D0), Day Eight (D28) of PEP by as much as 60-80%.
Biting Animal Three (D3), and Day
Day seven Fourteen However, only a limited number of commercially avail-
(D7) (14) dose able rabies vaccines have been proven, to date, as safe
and efficacious for PEP when administered by the ID
+ + Yes Yes
route. Recently, local manufacturers in rabies-endemic
+ - Yes Yes countries have started to produce rabies vaccines. The
- + Yes Yes ID use of these vaccines shall be based on adherence to
- - Yes No WHO requirements for that route and approval by national
Not done + Yes Yes health authorities as follows, “New vaccine manufactu­rers
Not done - Yes Yes shall provide clinical evidence that their products are im-
munogenic and safe when used intradermally. Clinical
evidence shall include clinical trials involving a vaccine
In case the biting animal is not available for observa- of known immunogenicity and efficacy when used by this
tion or dies within the recommended fourteen (14) days route as control, serological testing with rapid fluorescent
observation period, all rabies exposures shall receive focus inhibition test, and publication in internationally
at least the Day 0, 3, and 7 doses. The decision to give peered-reviewed journals.”
the Day 28 dose and D14 for IM regimen, shall depend
on the result of the laboratory examination (FAT) on the To ensure compliance to these recommendations and
biting animal and whether the biting animal manifested guarantee that animal bite patients seeking treatment
signs and symptoms of rabies. in government Animal Bite Treatment Centers receive
only Tissue Culture Vaccines (TCVs) that have been
proven to be safe and effective, the program shall utilize
B. Immunization for its intradermal regimen only TCVs that satisfy the
following criteria:
1. Active lmmunization
a. Administration c.1. The vaccine is registered with and approved by
Vaccine is administered to induce antibody the Food and Drug Administration;
and T-cell production in order to neutralize the c.2. The vaccine is WHO pre-qualified (http://www.
rabies virus in the body. It induces an active who.int/immunization_standards/vaccine_qual-
immune response in 7-10 days after vaccina- ity/PQ_vaccine_list_en/en/index.html);
tion, which may persist for years provided that c.3. The vaccine has been proven to be safe and
primary immunization is completed. efficacious for PEP when administered by the
ID route using the schedule recommended by
b. Types of Rabies Vaccines and Dosage the World Health Organization. Having limited
The National Rabies Prevention and Control knowledge on and experience with the ID use
Program (NRPCP) shall provide the following of all available anti-rabies vaccines in the
anti-rabies tissue culture vaccines (TCV): country, the program shall utilize the WHO list
a) Purified Vero Cell Rabies Vaccine (PVRV) of approved TCV for ID use OR in the case of
– 0.5 mL/vial; and b) Purified Chick Embryo vaccines not included in the WHO list for ID use,
Cell Vaccine (PCECV) – 1.0 mL/vial. the vaccine must comply with WHO require-
ments for new rabies vaccines and must have
Table 2. List of TCV Provided by the NRPCP to gone through local clinical trials on safety and
Animal Bite Treatment Centers with Corresponding immunogenicity which are published in peer-
Preparation and Dose reviewed journals;
c.4. The potency of vaccines for ID use shall be at
Generic Name Preparation Dose least 0.5 IU/ID dose as evidenced by their lot
Purified Vero Cell ID - 0.1 mL release certificate. The potency of the vaccine
Rabies Vaccine 0.5 mL/vial IM - 0.5 mL batch shall be provided by the manufacturer;
(PVRV) and
c.5. The product insert shall contain the vaccine’s ap-
Purified Chick ID - 0.1 mL proved ID dose and consistent with its Certificate
Embryo Cell 1 mL/vial IM - 1.0 mL of Registration
Vaccine (PCECV)
2. Passive Immunization
c. Recommendations on the intradermal administra-
tion of anti-rabies vaccines: Rabies immune globulins or RIG (also called passive
immunization products) shall be given in combination
The NRPCP introduced the intradermal (ID) use of rabies with rabies vaccine to provide the immediate availability
tissue culture vaccines in the country in 1997. The Philip- of neutralizing antibodies at the site of the exposure be-
pines was among the first countries to adopt this regimen fore it is physiologically possible for the patient to begin

138
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:

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Rabies
• History of hypersensitivity to equine Table 4. Guide to Tetanus Prophylaxis in Routine
sera. Wound Management
• Multiple severe exposures, especially
where dog is sick or proven rabid.
Vaccination History
• Symptomatic HIV infected patients.
Indication Unknown or
3 or more doses
c.5. Management of Adverse Reactions for TT <3 doses
Immunization
Td* TIG/ATS Td* TIG/ATS
Hypersensitivity to ERIG/F(ab’)2 may not be
predicted by a negative skin test. Adrenaline All Animal bites Yes Yes No** No
and antihistamines shall always be ready for * Tdap may be substituted for Td if the person has not received
treatment of hypersensitivity. Tdap and is 10 years or older; DPT may be given for patients <7
years old; TT may be given if Td not available
c.5.1 Anaphylaxis ** Yes, if more than 5 years since last dose
• Give 0.1% adrenaline or epinephrine
b. Routine Wound Management
(1:1000 or 1 mg/mL) underneath the
skin or into the muscle.
b.1. The most common organism isolated
Adults – 0.5 mL
from dog and cat bites is Pasteurellamulto­
Children – 0.01 mL/kg, maximum of 0.5
mL cida. Other organisms include S. aureus,
• Repeat epinephrine dose every 10-20 Bacteroidessp, Fusobacterium and Capno-
minutes for 3 doses cytophaga. Antimicrobials shall be recom-
mended for the following conditions:
• Give steroids after epinephrine
b.1.1 All frankly infected wounds
c.5.2 Hypersensitivity reactions
b.1.2 All category III cat bites
• Give antihistamines, either as single
b.1.3 All other category III bites that are
drug or in combination.
either deep, penetrating, multiple or
• If status quo for 48 hours despite com-
extensive or located on the hand/
bination of antihistamines, may give
face/genital area
short course (5-7 days) of combined
oral antihistamines plus steroids.
b.2. Recommended antimicrobials for frankly
• If patient worsens and condition requires
infected wounds include:
hospitalization or becomes life threaten-
b.2.1 Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid
ing, may give IV steroids in addition to
• Adults – 500 mg po TID
antihistamines.
• Children – 30-45 mg/kg/day in 3
divided doses
C. Treatment b.2.2. Cloxacillin
• Adults – 500 mg p.o. QID
1. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis • Children – 10-150-100 mg/kg/day
in 4 divided doses
a. Local Wound Treatment b.2.3 Cefuroxime axetil
• Adults – 500 mg p.o. BID
a.1. Wounds shall be immediately and vigor- • Children – 10-15 mg/kg/day in 2
ously washed and flushed with soap or divided doses
detergent, and water preferably for 10 b.2.4 For penicillin allergic patients
minutes. If soap is not available, the wound • Adults – Doxycycline
shall be thoroughly and extensively washed • Children – Erythromycin
with water. b.2.5 For those instances where there are
a.2. Apply alcohol, povidone iodine or any no obvious signs of infection, amoxi-
antiseptic. cillin as prophylaxis may suffice
a.3. Suturing of wounds shall be avoided • Adults – 500 mg p.o. TID
at all times since it may inoculate virus • Children – 30-45 mg/kg/day in 3
deeper into the wounds. Wounds may be divided doses
coaptated using sterile adhesive strips. If
suturing is unavoidable, it shall be delayed b.3 The public shall be educated in simple local
for at least 2 hours after administration of wound treatment and warned not to use
RIG to allow diffusion of the antibody to procedures that may further contaminate
occur through the tissues. the wounds (e.g. tandok, bato, rubbing gar-
a.4. Any ointment, cream or wound dressing lic on the wounds and other non-traditional
shall not be applied to the bite site because practices).
it will favor the growth of bacteria and will
occlude drainage of the wound, if any. c. Vaccination
a.5. Anti-tetanus immunization shall be given,
if indicated. History of tetanus immuniza- c.1. General Principles
tion (TT/DPT/Td) shall be reviewed. Ani- c.1.1. Storage
mal bites are considered tetanus prone c.1.1.1. Vaccines shall be stored at
wounds. Completion of the primary series +2 to +8°C in a refrigerator,
of tetanus immunization is recommended not freezer
140
Rabies
c.1.1.2. Once reconstituted, vac- ringe shall be used for ID
cines shall be kept in the injection.
refrigerator and used within c.2.1.6. The vaccination schedule
8 hours. shall be strictly followed to
prevent treatment failure.
c.1.2 Administration Area In certain instances when
patient fails to come on the
c.1.2.1. Injections shall be given on scheduled date for his suc-
the deltoid area of each arm ceeding dose, the following
in adults or at the anterola- rules shall apply:
teral aspect of the thigh in
infants Delay in second (i.e. day 3) dose:
c.1.2.2 Vaccine shall never be  If delay is 1-2 days from day 3
injected in the gluteal area schedule (i.e. day 4-5 from start
as absorption is unpredict- of vaccination) – day 3 dose shall
able be given upon visit and follow the
original schedule of day 7 and day
c.2. Treatment Regimen Schedule 28.
 If delay is 3-4 days from day 3
c.2.1 Updated 2-Site Intradermal Sched- schedule (i.e. days 6-7 from start
ule (2-2-2-0-2) of vaccination) – day 3 dose
shall be given upon visit, adjust
This regimen is a modification of the succeeding doses (day 7 and
original Thai Red Cross 2-site ID 28) according to the prescribed
regimen where the day 90 dose has interval.
been transferred to day 28.  If delay is >4 days from day 3
c.2.1.1 One dose for ID administra- schedule (i.e. beyond day 7 from
tion is equivalent to 0.1 mL start of vaccination) – a new
for PCECV. course shall be restarted.
c.2.1.2 One dose shall be given on
each deltoid on Days 0, 3, Delay in third (i.e. day 7) dose
7 and 28 (see Table 5).  If delay is ≤7 days from day 7
c.2.1.3 One intradermal dose shall schedule (i.e. days 8-14 from
have at least 0.5 IU vaccine start of vaccination) – day 7
potency. dose shall be given upon visit,
give day 28/30 dose as originally
Table 5. Updated 2-Site Intradermal Schedule scheduled.
 If delay is >7 – 14 days from day 7
Day of PVRV/ schedule (i.e. days 15 to 21 from
Site of injection start of vaccination) – day 3 dose
immunization PCEV
shall be repeated and revised
Day 0 0.1 mL Left and right deltoids or according to the prescribed inter-
anterolateral thighs in val.
infants  If delay is >14 days from day 7
schedule (i.e. beyond day 22
Day 3 0.1 mL Left and right deltoids or from start of vaccination) – a new
anterolateral thighs in course shall be restarted.
infants
Delay in fourth (i.e. day 28) dose:
Day 7 0.1 mL Left and right deltoids or  Give day 28 dose upon visit;
anterolateral thighs in this shall be considered as a
infants booster.
If RIG has already been ad-
Day 28 0.1 mL Left and right deltoid or ministered, it shall not be given
anterolateral thighs in again.
infants
c.2.2. Standard Intramuscular Schedule
c.2.1.4. The ID injection shall pro-
duce a minimum of 3 mm c.2.2.1. Using the standard IM regi-
wheal. In the event that a men, one dose is equivalent
dose of vaccine is inadvert- to 1 vial of 0.5 mL of PVRV
ently given subcutaneously or 1.0 mL of PCECV. One
or IM, the dose shall be (1) dose is given intramus-
repeated. cularly (IM) on days 0, 3, 7,
14 and 28 (see table 6)
c.2.1.5. A one (1) mL syringe with
gauge 27 needle, prefer-
ably autodisposable sy-
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days 15 to 21 from start of
Table 6. Standard Intramuscular Schedule vaccination) – day 3 dose
shall be given and revised
Day of PVRV PCECV Site of injection according to the prescribed
immunization
interval.
Day 0 0.5 mL 1.0 mL One deltoid or  If delay is >14 days from day
anterolateral thigh 7 schedule (i.e. beyond day
in infants 22 from start of vaccination)
– a new course shall be
Day 3 0.5 mL 1.0 mL One deltoid or
restarted.
anterolateral thigh
in infants
Delay in fourth (i.e. day 14)
Day 7 0.5 mL 1.0 mL One deltoid or dose:
anterolateral thigh  Day 14 dose shall be given
in infants upon visit and give day 28
dose after two weeks
Day 14 0.5 mL 1.0 mL One deltoid or
anterolateral thigh Delay in fifth (i.e. day 28)
in infants dose:
 Day 28 dose shall be given
Day 28 0.5 mL 1.0 mL One deltoid or upon visit.
anterolateral thigh If RIG has already been
in infants administered, it shall not be
given again.
c.2.2.2 Treatment schedule shall be
strictly followed to prevent c.2.3 Alternative Intramuscular Regimen
treatment failure. In certain approved by WHO
instances when patient fails c.2.3.1 Zagreb Regimen Sched-
to come on the scheduled ule (2-1-1 Intramuscular
date for his succeeding Schedule)
dose, the following rules
shall be followed: Table 7. Zagreb Schedule

Delay in second (i.e. day Day of


3) dose: PVRV PCECV Site of injection
immunization
 If delay is 1-2 days from
day 3 schedule (i.e. day 4-
Day 0 0.5 mL 1.0 mL Left and right del-
5 from start of vaccination)
– day 3 dose shall be given toids or anterolate-
upon visit and follow the ral thigh in infants
original schedule of day 7,
14, and 28/30. Day 7 0.5 mL 1.0 mL One deltoid or
 If delay is 3-4 days from day anterolateral thigh
3 schedule (i.e. days 6-7 in infants
from start of vaccination)
– day 3 dose shall be given Day 21 0.5 mL 1.0 mL One deltoid or
upon visit, adjust succeed- anterolateral thigh
ing doses (day 7, 14, and in infants
28/30) according to the
prescribed interval.
 If delay is >4 days (i.e. c.2.3.2 Shortened Intramuscular
beyond day 7 from start of Schedule (CDC)
vaccination) – a new course An alternative for healthy,
shall be restarted. fully immunocompetent, ex-
posed people who receive
Delay in third (i.e. day 7) dose: wound care plus high quality
 If delay is ≤7 days from day rabies immunoglobulin plus
7 schedule (i.e. days 8-14 WHO-prequalified rabies
from start of vaccination) vaccines, shall be given
– day 7 dose shall be given a post-exposure regimen
upon visit, give day 28 dose consisting of 4 doses ad-
as originally scheduled. ministered intramuscularly
 If delay is >7-14 days on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 (see
from day 7 schedule (i.e. table 8).

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)

A. Changes in attitude/behavior/temperament such as unusual shyness or aggressiveness


a. Friendly animal becomes aggressive
b. Solitude
c. Restlessness
d. Snapping at imaginary objects
e. Apprehension
f. Nervousness
g. Anxiety
h. Barking/vocalization at the slightest provocation
B. Dilated pupils; become myotic in advance state
C. Mydriasis and/or sluggish palpebral or corneal reflexes
D. Slight rise in body temperature (slight fever)

Clinical Rabies

Furious Stage (usually lasts 1-7 days) Paralytic (dumb) stage (develops 2-10 days afte
clinical signs; usually lasts 2-4 days)

I. Increased response to auditory and visual Paralysis


stimulation such as • Paralysis may begin at the bite area and progress
• Restlessness until entire CNS involvement
• Photophobia • Following paralysis of the head and neck, the entire
• Hyperaesthesia body becomes paralyzed
• Eating unusual objects • Change in tone of vocalization/barking (indicative
• Aggression of laryngeal/pharyngeal paralysis)
• Attacking any live or inanimate objects • Hypersalivation or frothing; drooling/slobbering of
II. Erratic behaviour saliva (indicative of laryngeal/pharyngeal
• Biting or snapping paralysis)
• Licking or chewing of wound/bite site • Dysphagia/difficulty/inability to swallow (indicative
• If caged, biting of their cage of laryngeal/pharyngeal paralysis)
• Wandering and roaming • “Jaw drop”/Dropped jaw due to masseter muscle
• Excitability paralysis (suspects foreign body in mouth or
• Irritability esophagus)
• Viciousness • Pupil dilation or pupil constriction
III. Self-mutilation • Protrusion of third eyelid
IV. Muscular in-coordination and seizures • Ataxia, progressive paralysis and cannibalism
V. Disorientation (terminal stage)
• Roams and bites inanimate object and also • Coma and/or respiratory paralysis resulting in
other animals including man death within 2-4 days

complete primary immunization with rabies observation for 14 days.


vaccine have the advantage that booster f.2.2. Dog/cat was vaccinated against
doses will rapidly induce a large increase rabies for the past 2 years:
in antibody production (a “secondary res­ f.2.2.1. Dog/cat shall be at least 1
ponse”). Therefore, there is no need to give year 6 months old and has
RIG. updated vaccination cer-
e.6. Patients who have not completed the pri- tificate from a duly licensed
mary immunization as prescribed above veterinarian for the last 2
shall receive full course including RIG if years.
needed. f.2.2.2. The last vaccination must be
within the past 12 months,
f. Management of Rabies Exposures from bites the immunization status
of animals vaccinated against rabies: of the dog/cat shall not be
considered updated if the
f.1. PEP shall not be recommended for all animal is not vaccinated on
Category I exposures. the due date of the next vac-
cination.
f.2. PEP can be delayed fro Category II Expo-
sures provided that ALL of the following f.3. PEP shall be given immediately for ANY of
conditions are satisfied: the following conditions:
f.2.1. Dog/cat is healthy and available for f.3.1 The rabies exposure is category III;

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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

Intradermal 0.1 mL 0.1 mL 0.1 mL 0.1 mL 0.1 mL 0.1 mL

Intramuscular 0.5 mL 0.5 mL 0.5 mL 1.0 mL 1.0 mL 1.0 mL

Table 12. Routine booster schedule for individuals given pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

Recommended booster schedule


Type of risk Population at risk
(without definite exposure)

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.

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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.

VII. REPEALING CLAUSE

Provisions of Administrative Order No. 164 s. 2002.


“Revised Guidelines on Management of Animal Bite
Patients” and Administrative Order No. 2005-0022
“Amendment to A.O. 164 s 2002, AO 2007-0029
and AO 2009-0027 and any other issuances incon-
sistent herewith are hereby rescinded.

VIII. EFFECTIVITY

This order shall take effect immediately.

ENRIQUE T. ONA, MD
Secretary of Health

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Rabies
Index of Drugs Related to the Guideline
This index lists the products of interest and/or their therapeutic classifications related to the guideline. This index is
not part of the guideline. For the doctor's convenience, brands available in the PPD references are listed under each
of the classes. For drug information, refer to the PPD references (PPD, PPD Pocket Version, PPD Text, PPD Tabs,
and www.TheFilipinoDoctor.com).

Immunization Agents, Ritemed Cefuroxime Teradox Lorange


Active (Vaccines) Robisef Vibramycin Lorano
Viacef Lorexa
Rabies Vaccine Xorimax Antihistamines Lorexa QD
Rabipur Xyfrox Lorid
Verorab Zegen 1st Generation RiteMED Loratadine
Ziglo Chlorphenamine Zylohist
DPT (Diphtheria-Pertussis- Zinacef Antamin Loratadine +
Tetanus Vaccine) Zinnat Betamethasone
Adacel Clemastine Claricort
Boostrix Macrolide Marsthine Loratadine + Phenylephrine
Easyfive-TT Erythromycin Dechlorphenamine maleate Loraped
Hexaxim Ilosone/Ilosone DS + Betamethasone Levocetirizine
Infanrix Ritemed Erythromycin Celestamine Allerzet
Infanrix-IPV+Hib Diphenhydramine Allerzet Tablet
Infanrix Hexa Penicillin Benadryl Getcet
Pentaxim Amoxicillin Hyphen Glencet
Quinvaxem Altomox RiteMED Diphenhydramine Letrizine
Tritanrix-HB Amoxil/Amoxil Forte Hydrochloride Levoprix
Tetraxim Globamox Soniphen RiteMED Levocetirizine
TD-Pur Globapen Diphenhydramine + Tecovel
Medvox Phenylpropanolamine Xyzal
Immunization Pediamox Allerin Reformulated Zestra
Agents, Passive Promox Hydroxyzine Zocet 5
(Immunoglobulins) RiteMED Amoxicillin Iterax Levocetirizine + Montelu-
Teramoxyl Phenylpropanolamine kast
Rabies Immunoglobulin Vhellox 500 Nasathera P Zykast
Berirab P
Equirab Co-Amoxiclav (Amoxicillin + 2nd Generation Inotropic Agent
Favirab Clavulanic acid) Azelastine
Addex Azela Nasal Spray Epinephrine/Adrenaline
Tetanus Immunoglobulin Amoclav Azelone
Ig Tetano Amoclav Suspension Cetirizine
Sero-Tet Auget Allerkid
Tetagam P Augmentin Allerteen
Tetanea Bactiv Benadryl One
Bactoclav Cetirid
Antibiotics Bioclavid H-One
Cavumox Prixlae
Cephalosphorin Clavmoxwel-625 Ricam
Cefuroxime Clavoxin RiteMED Cetirizine Dihy-
2-Gen Duoclav drochloride
Altacef Euroclav Texzine
Altoxime Pencla Virlix
Cefuget Pharex Co-Amoxiclav Welcet
Cefurex Rafonex Zetrix
Cimex RiteMED Co-Amoxiclav Zinex
Cmaxid Sullivan Zyriz
Dinfurox 250 mg/5 ML Vamox Zyrtec
Susp Desloratadine
Dinfurox 500 mg Tablet Cloxacillin Aerius
Dinfurox 750 mg Axillin Deslodine
Dinoxime 500 mg Mediclox Ebastine
Dinoxime 750 mg Pannox Capsule/ Aleva
Powd for Inj Pannox Powder for Ebastine + Betamethasone
Infekor Injection Co-Aleva
Kefsyn Pannox Powder for Oral Fexofenadine
Medzyme Solution Neofex
Panaxim 250 mg/5 ML Pharex Cloxacillin Telfast
Granules for Suspension Ritemed Cloxacillin Loratadine
Panaxim 500 mg Tab Actidin/ Actidin Quik/
Panaxim Powder for Inj Tetracycline Actidin Junior
(IM/IV) Doxycycline Allergen
Pharex Cefuroxime Doxicon Allerta
Profurex Dyna-Doxycycline Carin
Rezafil WFI Ritemed Doxycycline Claritin

148

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