Doctors give valuable advice for World Rabies Day

People should rinse their wounds and not use any eye ointment if eyes are scratched by animals, doctors warned on Thursday, World Rabies Day.

Eye injuries due to animal scratch are not uncommon since many patients don’t have the proper understanding of the risks involved and therefore don't visit hospital in time.

The city has reported two cases of rabies so far this year, thus requiring the public to enhance their awareness of rabies prevention and control.

“Many people know that they should wash their wound and go to hospital in a timely manner after being attacked by an animal for rabies prevention, but very few have the knowledge required to deal with scratches to their eyes,” said Dr Lian Jingcai from Xinshijie Eye Hospital, which received a 10-year-old boy injured by a cat earlier this week.

“Some people cover their wounds by gauze or apply eye ointment themselves before visiting the hospital,” he said. “That is wrong — people should keep the wound open after rinsing with water, and then go to hospital immediately for treatment and vaccination.”

He said eye injuries from pet cats, dogs and birds are gaining in prevalence.