What To Do After A Monkey Bite: First Aid, Rabies Risk, And Expert Advice

 Here’s a clear, expert-based guide on what to do after a monkey bite, including first aid steps, rabies risk, and medical advice:

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🩹 First Aid: Immediate Steps

1. Wash the wound thoroughly

   • Use running water and soap.

   • Wash for at least 15 minutes to flush out saliva and reduce infection risk.

   • Avoid harsh scrubbing, but clean deeply.

2. Disinfect the wound

   • Apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine, iodine solution, or 70% alcohol.

   • Do not apply irritants like chili, lime, or turmeric.

3. Control bleeding

   • If the wound is bleeding heavily, gently press with a clean cloth.

   • Minor oozing should not be stopped too early, as it helps wash out saliva.

4. Cover the wound

   • Use a sterile gauze or clean cloth until you reach medical help.

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🦠 Rabies Risk After Monkey Bites

• Monkeys can transmit rabies if they are infected (though dogs are the most common source in India and Asia).

• Even if the monkey appeared healthy, rabies cannot be ruled out.

• Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but completely preventable with timely vaccination.

Other risks include:

• Herpes B virus (rare but serious, mainly from macaques)

• Tetanus

• Secondary bacterial infections

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👩‍⚕️ Expert Medical Advice

1. Seek medical attention immediately

   • Visit the nearest hospital or rabies treatment center.

2. Post-Exposure Rabies Vaccination (PEP)

   • Required after any monkey bite, scratch, or saliva contact on broken skin/mucosa.

   • Usually given as a series of 4–5 injections over a month.

   • If previously vaccinated, fewer doses may be required.

3. Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)

   • Recommended for Category III exposure (deep wounds, multiple bites, or bites near face/hands/genitals).

   • It is infiltrated around the wound to neutralize the virus locally.

4. Tetanus booster

   • Needed if you are not up to date on tetanus vaccination.

5. Antibiotics

   • May be prescribed to prevent bacterial infection.

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⚠️ When to Treat as Emergency

• Bites on the face, neck, or hands (high risk of rapid rabies spread).

• Deep or multiple wounds.

• If the monkey seemed sick, aggressive, or died soon after biting.

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✅ Bottom line:

After a monkey bite, wash immediately, disinfect, and seek medical care without delay. Rabies shots are almost always required, regardless of the monkey’s health status.