Rabies is a deadly infection that poses a significant threat to anyone who comes into contact with infected animals, especially while traveling. Despite being almost always fatal once symptoms appear, rabies is preventable through vaccination and early treatment. Here, we’ll discuss the risks associated with rabies, how to prevent it, and why getting vaccinated is essential.
Understanding Rabies
Rabies is a serious infection transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Although rare in the UK, it is prevalent in parts of Asia, Africa, Central, and South America. The virus spreads via mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, and foxes. In the UK, rabies is only found in some bats.
Assessing Your Risk
While the risk of contracting rabies while traveling is generally low, it is higher in regions where the disease is more common. You are at risk if:
Urgent Actions if Exposed
If you’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal while abroad or in contact with a bat in the UK, seek medical help immediately. Rabies can be prevented if you get treatment quickly, so it’s crucial to act fast, even if you’ve been vaccinated.
Steps to Take:
Wash the bite or scratch with soap and water. Seek urgent medical help. Get rabies immunoglobulin and the rabies vaccine as prescribed.
Reducing Your Risk
Before Traveling:
While Abroad:
It is important to check most up to date information Below is a map from the WHO website on rabies risk in 2022 by location (Red highlighted is the highest risk areas) https://apps.who.int/neglected_diseases/ntddata/rabies/rabies.html
The Rabies Vaccine: Your Best Defence
The rabies vaccine is highly recommended if you’re traveling to areas where rabies is common, especially if you may find it difficult to access medical care quickly or if you’ll be engaging in activities that increase your risk of animal contact. The vaccine is also essential for certain high-risk occupations.
Vaccine Details:
Treatment for Possible Rabies Exposure
If exposed to rabies, treatment involves multiple doses of the rabies vaccine and possibly rabies immunoglobulin. The treatment is most effective when administered promptly after exposure.
Symptoms to Watch For:
Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, underscoring the importance of early treatment and vaccination.
