Rabies

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a severe viral infection that affects the brain and the nervous system. Typically, the virus is transmitted by the saliva of infected animals following a bite or scratch.

Dogs are the most prevalent source of human infection. Additional animals, such as monkeys and cats, may potentially transmit rabies. There is a rabies risk associated with bats from every country.

Except for Antarctica, rabies is present on all continents. Asia and Africa account for the majority of human rabies cases.

High-risk Risk areas for Rabies

There are cases of rabies all across the world, especially in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.

It is not found in the United Kingdom, with the exception of a small number of wild bats.

Main symptoms of Rabies​

If you don't treat rabies, the symptoms usually start between 3 and 12 weeks later, but they can start much sooner or much later.

Some of the first signs can be:

• a high temperature
• headaches
• feeling anxious or sick in general
• and sometimes discomfort at the bite site

A few days later, other signs start to show up, such as:

• confusion or aggressive behaviour
• hearing or seeing something (hallucinations)
• muscle spasms
• producing a lot of saliva or frothing at the mouth
• Having trouble swallowing and breathing
• not being able to move (paralysis)

Once symptoms start to show, rabies is almost always fatal.

In these situations, the goal of treatment will be to make the person as comfortable as possible.

Ways to minimise the risk of Rabies during travel

If you are travelling to a region where rabies is prevalent, you should consider being vaccinated.

Even if you have been immunised, you should take steps to avoid contact with rabies.

While travelling in a region with a risk of rabies:

• Avoid interaction with animals - some diseased animals may behave erratically, but there may be no clear signs they are infected.
• avoid touching any dead animal
• If you are travelling with a child, ensure that they are aware of the dangers and that they should inform you if they are bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal.

You can read the details in the References and useful links below.

If you are travelling to a high-risk area, consider getting the vaccine. Book a consultation 6 to 8 weeks before travel to ensure that you have enough time to get the necessary vaccination doses.