Two departments have issued work standards for the prevention and disposal of rabies exposure
On September 16th, it was learned from the National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention that the National Health Commission and the National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention have recently issued the "Guidelines for the Prevention and Disposal of Rabies Exposure", providing guidance for further prevention and disposal of rabies exposure. This includes increasing the types of disinfectants used, optimizing vaccination procedures after initial exposure, expanding the scope of high-risk individuals, and categorizing rabies exposure into three levels.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by rabies virus infection, and is a Class B infectious disease stipulated in the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Law of the People's Republic of China. Data shows that from 2007 to 2022, the incidence of human rabies in China has been continuously decreasing for 16 years.
The new version of the image specifies that exposure to rabies is classified into three levels based on contact methods and exposure levels: exposure to or feeding animals, or licking intact skin is classified as Level I exposure; Exposed skin that has been lightly bitten, or minor scratches or abrasions without obvious bleeding, is classified as Grade II exposure; Single or multiple penetrating skin bites or scratches, or damaged skin licked, or open wounds, mucous membranes contaminated with saliva or tissue, or direct contact with bats are classified as Level III exposure.
According to the policy interpretation released by the National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to rabies at different risk levels should be dealt with in a standardized manner. Among them, Level I exposed individuals generally have no risk of infection, and the exposed area can be cleaned without the need for medical treatment; Level II exposed individuals have a mild risk of infection and should be treated and vaccinated against rabies. If it is confirmed that a Level II exposed individual has severe immune dysfunction, or if the wound of a Level II exposed individual is located on the head and face and the health status of the injured animal cannot be determined, it should be treated as a Level III exposed individual; Level III exposed individuals are at risk of severe infection and should dispose of their wounds, receive passive immunization against rabies, and receive rabies vaccines.
Regarding how to dispose of exposed wounds, according to regulations, the earlier the wound should be disposed of, the better. The disposal methods mainly include the following three types: wound flushing, alternating and thoroughly rinsing all bite and scratch areas with soap water and flowing water under certain pressure for about 15 minutes; Disinfect the wound, rinse it and apply diluted iodine or other skin and mucosal disinfectants with virus inactivation effects to the wound; Prevent other infections, use antibiotics reasonably based on wound contamination or infection, and reduce infections other than rabies virus.