HiFDA and Novartis Healthcare Philippines have “determined that there are illegally imported and unregistered Purified Chick Embryo Cell (Rabipur) Rabies Vaccine being offered for sale in vaccination clinics, drug establishments and outlets and internet websites.”
A complaint sample of the vaccine was collected at Tabuk City in Kalinga and it was verified that the sample was counterfeit.
The rabies vaccine is administered to people who are at high risk of exposure to rabies or to those who have been exposed to rabies, the FDA said. So there is a high risk of death from rabies if this as used as a treatment.
Rabies is one of the most terrifying diseases known to man. It is perhaps the most devastating to witness a loved one die from it. Interestingly rabies, which is caused by a virus that infects the central nervous system, usually starts from a seemingly harmless scratch or superficial bite that most people will likely take for granted.
Many wild animals have been displaced from their natural habitats during the typhoon and there is an increase in stray dogs and a shortage of animal food, which is potentially rasing the risk of rabes
Rabies is present in 150 countries worldwide and it is estimated that at least 55,000 people die from rabies every year There is a very effective vaccine that can protect you against rabies The vaccine should be given before you travel. Three doses of vaccine are required on days 0, 7 and 21 or 28. In the event of a bite or scratch you will need to seek medical advice and get two more top up vaccines.
If you have not had any rabies vaccine before you travel and you get bitten by an animal you will need to seek immediate medical treatment. In this instance you will need to receive a full course of rabies vaccine and a treatment called rabies immune globulin (RIG). This blocks the virus travelling to the brain and should be given within 24-48 hours, RIG is a blood product and is not readily available in many countries, so if you think you may be at risk it is recommended that you receive pre -exposure rabies vaccines before travel.
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