What is Rabies?
Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system. It is usually transmitted through bites, scratches, or saliva from infected animals when it comes into contact with broken skin. The animals most commonly linked to rabies transmission are bats, dogs, cats, and monkeys. If untreated, rabies is almost always fatal.
High-Risk Regions
Rabies can be found across the globe, except in Antarctica. While countries like North America, Australia, Europe, and Japan are considered low-risk, most other regions fall into the medium or high-risk categories. Travellers should be extra cautious when visiting developing nations.
Travel Precautions
For those travelling outside Europe, we recommend vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio (DTP). If you’re spending extended periods in developing nations, consider the Hepatitis B vaccine as well. Cholera, particularly prevalent in rural areas, is another concern. The oral cholera vaccine, Dukoral, not only helps prevent cholera but also reduces the likelihood of traveller’s diarrhoea caused by E. coli. Dukoral is administered in two doses a week apart.
While abroad, avoid contact with animals, and be sure that any cuts or wounds are properly covered to reduce the risk of exposure. Be mindful that animals may appear healthy but can still carry the virus.
Rabies Symptoms
Rabies symptoms may not show up immediately but include itching or tingling at the site of the bite, fever, fear of water, and unusual aggression. Unfortunately, once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
Rabies Vaccination
The rabies vaccination consists of two doses on 0 and 7 days. Even with vaccination, if you are bitten or scratched by an animal, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. If you have not been vaccinated, you must get medical help within 24 hours. If you have had the two-dose vaccination before your trip, you’ll still need to see a doctor, but you have an additional 24 hours to seek care and will require only two further injections. Without pre-exposure vaccination, you would need five injections and possibly a blood transfusion.
How to Access the Vaccine
You can contact your local pharmacy to learn more or drop by when convenient to discuss your rabies vaccination options. Be sure to plan your vaccinations ahead of your trip to ensure you’re fully protected.
