A Chisinau boy, 11, has been admitted to the Contagious Diseases Hospital in critical condition showing symptoms of rabies.

Dr. Stela Cornilova, the Hospital’s deputy director, told IPN the young patient was admitted to the intensive care ward on July 12.  It’s known that he had been in contact with dogs. While there are no signs of bites, it’s believed the boy caught the neurotropic virus through a surface wound on the skin that was exposed to dog saliva.

In the event of a bite, the National Public Health Agency is advising the public to wash the wound with soap and lots of water immediately and disinfect it with iodine solution, which will reduce the virus count in the wound by up to 70%; and then promptly see a doctor, who will decide on the dosage of vaccination, if needed.

In people exposed to rabies, vaccines must be administered to prevent the disease, which becomes incurable once it sets in. Vaccination is also recommended for high-risk groups. Vaccines are free and are effective if timely administered.

Veterinary authorities report that, in the first half of this year, 23 animals in 13 administrative units were found to have rabies. Most cases were found in domestic animals. Pet owners are advised to make sure that their pets get the annual rabies shot and to see a veterinarian immediately at the first symptoms.