September 28 is traditionally marked as World Rabies Day. Rabies is a deadly disease that affects both animals and humans. Due to the increasing number of cases of people, including adults and children, seeking medical attention for animal bites in the area (70 cases over the first 8 months of 2026, compared to 37 cases over the same period in 2025, representing a 1.89-fold increase), the Chausy District Central Regional Hospital reminds everyone that any animal can be infected with rabies.

In the Chausy district, over the past period of 2026, 7 laboratory-confirmed cases of rabies have been registered among animals, including foxes, raccoon dogs, domestic dogs, and cats. This significantly increases the risk of rabies cases among the population.

To prevent rabies infection, it is necessary to:

follow the established rules for keeping domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, and to annually, and on a mandatory basis, take pets to a veterinary institution for preventive vaccinations against rabies (at the same time, we remind citizens of the need to register their pets: in the city, this can be done through the "One Window" service, and in rural areas, through the Rural Executive Committees);

in cases where an animal exhibits symptoms that do not rule out rabies, or if there is a change in the behavior of a domestic animal, or if it has been injured by another animal, or has died without any visible cause, it is essential to consult a veterinary specialist to establish a 10-day observation period for the animal or to determine the cause of its death;

avoid contact with animals, especially wild and/or stray ones.

IT IS ESSENTIAL TO REMEMBER: as a rule, healthy wild animals avoid encounters with humans. If such an animal appears in a populated area, it can be assumed that it is infected with rabies. It is necessary to take all measures of personal precaution and ensure safety for oneself and one's loved ones. It is not recommended to take in stray or sick animals from the street. If you have taken in an animal from the street, try to find an opportunity to show the pet to a veterinary doctor and have it vaccinated against rabies as soon as possible.

In cases where contact with an animal, even if it appears healthy, cannot be avoided (such as being bitten, scratched, or licked), it is necessary to:

perform primary treatment of the contact area by thoroughly washing it with soap and water;

if there is a wound, after washing with soap, treat the edges of the wound with 5% iodine solution or povidone-iodine or any spirit-containing antiseptic;

apply a sterile bandage and seek medical attention immediately (within 24 hours of contact). Only a doctor (surgeon, traumatologist) can assess the risk of possible rabies virus infection and, if necessary, prescribe a vaccination course.

It is very important to simultaneously isolate the animal when seeking medical attention (if possible) and call a veterinary service specialist for consultation and organization of veterinary observation, which lasts for 10 days from the moment of contact.

Remember that rabies is an absolutely fatal disease. The only effective means of prevention is the timely provision of anti-rabies assistance to individuals who have come into contact with an animal, including immunization against rabies.