Understanding rabies and post-exposure management
The Anti-Rabies Centre of the Pasteur Institute of Lille provides assessment and care for people exposed, or likely to have been exposed, to the rabies virus, in France or abroad.
Rabies is a serious infectious viral disease transmitted to humans through the saliva of an infected animal, most often via a bite, scratch, or lick on broken skin or mucous membranes. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
However, the disease can be completely avoided thanks to rapid and appropriate medical care.
How can one be exposed to rabies?
Potential exposure may occur in the following situations:
- Bite or scratch by a mammal (dog, cat, monkey, bat, wild animal…);
- Licking a wound, damaged skin or mucous membrane (mouth, eye);
- Direct contact with a bat, even without a visible bite;
- Exposure occurred during a stay abroad, in countries where rabies is present.
The risk depends on the type of contact, the animal involved, the place of exposure, and the patient's vaccination status.
Rabies situation in France
Rabies is present in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, Asia and parts of Latin America.
Metropolitan France is declared free of terrestrial rabies by the WHO since 2001.
Therefore, there is no longer any local transmission of the virus among terrestrial carnivores. However:
- Cases could occur after the importation of infected animals;
- Viruses related to rabies circulate among certain bats in France and Europe.
Any suspected exposure should be subject to medical evaluation.
The Anti-Rabies Centre of the Pasteur Institute of Lille
Integrated into the Vaccination and Travel Medicine Centre, the Anti-Rabies Centre is a specialized medical structure, approved by the health authorities, integrated into the public health missions of the Pasteur Institute of Lille.
Its missions include:
- Assess the risk of transmission after potential exposure to the rabies virus;
- Decide on the need for post-exposure treatment;
- To provide care directly at the center, through the administration of rabies vaccines and, if necessary, the administration of immunoglobulins;
- Informing and supporting patients throughout their care.
Medical decisions are based on up-to-date national and international recommendations.
When to consult?
It is recommended to consult as quickly as possible After :
- Any bite or scratch by a mammal in a foreign country;
- Any direct contact with a bat;
The same applies in cases of doubt, even if the wound appears minor or old.
To assess your situation or to make an appointment, please contact us by phone at: 03.20.87.79.80.
What is the coverage?
The care provided is personalized and may include:
- A medical evaluation detailed description of the exhibition;
- local care of the wound if necessary;
- Un post-exposure treatment adapted to the level of risk (rabies vaccination, with or without injection of immunoglobulins);
- Un medical monitoring and clear information for the patient.
In France or abroad, curative treatment after potential exposure to rabies must be carried out within 48 hours.
When carried out in an anti-rabies center on French territory, the treatment is covered by social security.
What should you do immediately after a bite or scratch?
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes;
- Disinfect if possible;
- Do not suture the wound without medical advice;
- Consult a healthcare professional or rabies treatment center as soon as possible.
Return from trip
Any bite, scratch or risky contact that occurred abroad should lead to a consultation, even several days after returning to France.
Contact with a bat
Any direct contact with a bat warrants a medical evaluation, even in the absence of a visible bite.
Children and teenagers
In children, all exposure should be considered with particular vigilance. If in doubt, a consultation is essential.
In case of a bite, scratch, or if you suspect a scratch, do not wait: contact them immediately. an anti-rabies center ou a healthcare professional.
To have your situation assessed or to schedule an appointment, please contact us. by telephone to: 03.20.87.79.80
Are you a healthcare professional?
Omnidoc Medical Expertise Network
The team at the Pasteur Institute in Lille is now using the tele-expertise platform Omnidoc to respond to your requests for advice.
FAQ
Rabies transmitted by terrestrial animals has disappeared in metropolitan France since 2001. However, the virus still circulates in many countries and among certain bats.
Yes. Even a minor or old wound caused by an animal in an area where rabies is present requires medical evaluation.
Yes. The animal's appearance alone cannot rule out the risk. The veterinarian will assess the overall situation.
No. The decision depends on the type of contact, the animal, the location of exposure, and your personal circumstances. Treatment is tailored to the level of risk.
Yes. The consultation must take place. as quickly as possible after exposure in order to ensure the effectiveness of prevention.
