Rabies is a rare but very serious infection of the brain and nerves. It's usually caught from the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most often a dog.
Rabies is found throughout the world, particularly in Asia, Africa and Central and South America. It's rarely found in the UK.
It's almost always fatal once symptoms appear, however, the post-exposure treatments are considered very effective. Vaccination before travelling is recommended for some people depending on the destination or duration of travel and also depending on certain activities during the trip. This can be discussed if needed during your consultation.
Vaccination
Even if you've been vaccinated, you should still take precautions to avoid coming into contact with rabies if you're travelling in an area where rabies is found and get medical advice straight away if you've been bitten, scratched or licked over the face, eyes or broken skin.
The vaccination is a course of three injections. It is normally given on days 1,7 and 21. This is normally sufficient to give long acting protection, however in some cases, boosters can be administered after 12 months if deemed appropriate. If there is insufficient time for this course, it is possible to do a rapid dosing schedule on days 1,3 and 7. This schedule does require a booster dose at 12 months for long acting protection.
It is important to remember, however, that after a primary vaccine schedule, if a potential exposure to Rabies occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately afterwards. Post exposure Rabies treatment is much reduced, but still needed due to the seriousness of the illness. Animal bites carry risk of other infections also, and as such prompt medical attention is always required.
How to avoid being bitten or scratched
All mammals (including monkeys) can carry rabies. They can spread the infection if they bite or scratch you, or in rare cases if they lick an open wound or their saliva gets into your mouth or eyes. Rabies isn't spread through unbroken skin or between people.
While travelling in an area where rabies is a risk:
- avoid contact with animals – some infected animals may behave strangely, but sometimes there may be no obvious signs they're infected
- avoid touching any dead animals
If you're travelling with a child, make sure they're aware of the dangers and that they should tell you if they've been bitten, scratched or licked by an animal. Check them for any wounds if they come into contact with an animal.
What to do if you've been bitten or scratched
If you've been bitten or scratched by an animal in an area with a risk of rabies:
- immediately clean the wound with running water and soap for several minutes
- disinfect the wound with an alcohol- or iodine-based disinfectant and apply a simple dressing, if possible
- go to the nearest medical centre, hospital or GP surgery as soon as possible and explain that you've been bitten or scratched
If this happens while you're abroad, get local medical help immediately. Don't wait until you've returned to the UK.
If you've already returned to the UK without getting medical advice, it's still a good idea to get help – even if it's been several weeks since you were bitten or scratched.
It's unlikely that you've been infected, but it's best to be safe.