Rabies

What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system. It is spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually following a bite or scratch. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal, making prevention and prompt medical treatment essential.

Where is rabies found?

Rabies is found in many parts of the world, including:

• Africa
• Asia
• Central and South America
• Parts of Eastern Europe
• The Middle East

Dogs are the most common source of rabies worldwide, although the virus can also be carried by bats, monkeys, cats, and other mammals.

How is rabies spread?

Rabies is spread through contact with the saliva of an infected animal. This may occur through:

• Animal bites.
• Animal scratches that break the skin.
• Saliva entering an open wound or the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop between 3 weeks and 3 months after exposure, although they can appear sooner or much later. They may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Pain, tingling, or numbness at the site of the bite or scratch
• Anxiety or confusion
• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle spasms
• Paralysis

Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal. Any potential exposure should be treated as a medical emergency.

Prevention

The risk of rabies can be reduced by:

• Avoiding contact with stray or wild animals.
• Never feeding or handling unfamiliar animals.
• Supervising children around animals.
• Washing any bite or scratch immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
• Seeking urgent medical attention after any animal bite, scratch, or saliva exposure, even if you have been vaccinated.

Rabies vaccine

A rabies vaccine is available in the UK to help protect travellers who may be at increased risk of exposure. It may be recommended for those travelling to countries where rabies is common, particularly if access to medical care may be limited.

How is the vaccine given?

• The vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm.
• The primary course consists of 2 doses, given 7 days apart.

During your travel health consultation, our pharmacist will advise you on the most appropriate vaccination schedule based on your travel plans.

Who can receive the vaccine?

The rabies vaccine is suitable for adults and children. During your travel health consultation, our pharmacist will assess your destination, itinerary, planned activities, and individual risk factors to determine whether the vaccine is appropriate for you.

Who should consider vaccination?

Vaccination may be appropriate for travellers who:

• Are travelling to countries where rabies is common.
• Will be spending extended periods abroad.
• Are backpacking or travelling to remote areas.
• Will be cycling, hiking, camping, or undertaking other outdoor activities.
• Will be working with or handling animals.
• May have limited access to prompt medical care following an animal bite or scratch.

A travel health consultation can help determine whether the rabies vaccine is appropriate for your trip.