Travel Profile: Rabies
- Alice Monk
- Sep 6, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 13
Rabies exists all over the world on every continent except Antarctica. Before you travel, you should assess the risk in your destination, and take preventative measures if that risk is high.
What is rabies?
Rabies is an acute viral infection that causes inflammation of the spinal cord and the brain. It can be fatal to humans and animals if not treated urgently.
Rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animals. Humans are normally exposed to rabies through a bite or scratch from a rabid animal, however the virus may also be transmitted via a lick on broken skin, or on mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. 99% of rabies transmissions to humans are caused by dogs.
Where is rabies most prevalent?
Rabies is found throughout the world, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.
All mammals (including monkeys) can carry rabies, but it's most common in:
dogs
bats
jackals
raccoons
cats
foxes
mongooses
Symptoms of Rabies
Without treatment, the symptoms of rabies will usually develop after 3 to 12 weeks, although they can start sooner or much later than this.
The first symptoms can include:
a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
a headache
feeling anxious or generally unwell
in some cases, discomfort at the site of the bite
Other symptoms appear a few days later, such as:
confusion or aggressive behaviour
seeing or hearing things (hallucinations)
producing lots of saliva or frothing at the mouth
muscle spasms
difficulty swallowing and breathing
inability to move (paralysis)
Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal – there is no effective treatment at that stage. However there have been no recorded deaths from rabies in people who have been vaccinated, so make sure to get vaccinated before you go.
Whether or not you’ve had the vaccine, if you are bitten or have contact with an animal you are concerned about, seek medical attention urgently. Without the vaccine, you must receive immunoglobulin within 24 hours of exposure and will need a further 5 vaccines. Post exposure treatment isn’t always available in developing countries, so getting vaccinated before you go could save your life.
Those who have had the rabies vaccine will develop antibodies in their blood against the virus and therefore have more protection against rabies.
Recommendations for travellers
Check the rabies risk at your destination and know the location of reliable medical attention. Avoid contact with all animals, including pets!
Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to high-risk areas – especially those who plan to:
Take part in outdoor activities such as trekking, cycling, or running,
Travel to remote areas far from medical care
Work with or have close contact with animals (e.g. at animal sanctuaries)
You’ll need 3 vaccines over a period of 28 days, so book your first dose as early as possible. Rabies vaccination may not be available at short notice, so allow at least a month before travel to complete the full course.
Facts/ Did you know?
Rabies is not spread through unbroken skin or between people.
Post-exposure treatment is nearly 100% effective if it's started before any symptoms of rabies appear.
The UK has been rabies-free since the beginning of the 20th century, with the exception of a rabies-like virus in a species of wild bat called Daubenton's bats.
Children are at greater risk as they are less likely to avoid animals.
Some infected animals may behave strangely, but sometimes there may be no obvious signs they're infected
You should also avoid touching dead animals
Our sources & for more information:
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