A boy got unprovoked bite from a neighbour’s dog. The animal control authority caught the dog and it was found to be healthy. What will be the next step?
**Core Concept**
The scenario describes a potential animal bite case, requiring prompt medical and administrative action to prevent rabies transmission. The animal control authority has caught the dog and found it to be healthy, which is crucial in determining the next course of action.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In cases of animal bites, the risk of rabies transmission is a significant concern. Since the dog is found to be healthy, it is likely not infected with the rabies virus. However, the boy who got bitten is still at risk of developing rabies. The next step would be to administer post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes immediate wound cleaning, administration of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), and a series of rabies vaccinations. This protocol is designed to prevent the development of rabies in individuals exposed to potentially infected animals.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not relevant in this scenario, as the dog has been caught and found to be healthy. If the dog were still at large, this option might be considered, but it is not applicable here.
**Option B:** There is no indication that the dog is infected with rabies, making this option incorrect. The focus should be on providing PEP to the boy who got bitten, rather than testing the dog.
**Option C:** While the dog may have been healthy at the time of capture, it is still possible that it may have been infected with rabies at the time of the bite. Therefore, relying solely on the dog's current health status is not sufficient to rule out the need for PEP.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to remember that the incubation period of rabies can range from a few days to several months or even years, making it crucial to provide PEP promptly after an animal bite, even if the animal appears healthy at the time.
**Correct Answer: D. Administer post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to the boy who got bitten.**