Rabies

Disease and transmission – Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and nerves. An infected mammal, commonly dogs, cats, monkeys and bats, transmits the virus through their saliva through a scratch, bite or even a lick. Rabies is present across the world and potential exposure needs to be taken seriously. Mortality rate once a person has rabies is 100%.

Symptoms - Symptoms do not appear for 3-10 weeks so potential exposure needs immediate treatment. Once symptoms appear the disease is fatal. Early symptoms are fever, feeling unwell, pain or numbness at bite site and headache. As disease progresses symptoms include confusion, aggression, hallucinations, muscle spasms and paralysis then death.

Prevention – Be aware of the risk where you are visiting. Avoid contact with animals. Children are at particular risk. Be aware in advance of local medical facilities that may have the vaccine or immunoglobulins for treatment if you are potentially exposed..

Intradermal vaccine - There is a global shortage of rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin. Rabies vaccine can be given into a muscle (intramuscular) or just under the skin (intradermal). Intradermal vaccination is just as effective, and some research suggests may be even more effective. A smaller dose is needed so more people can be vaccinated against this life-threatening disease and costs less per dose than intramuscular.

Although off-licence in the UK, intradermal rabies vaccination is safe and is used globally. For more information please see Rabies (who.int).

What do if you are potentially exposed - If you are bitten, licked or scratched, immediately wash the wound with soap and water, apply antiseptic and bandage and seek immediate medical attention for post-exposure treatment. A careful assessment is needed to ensure you get the correct treatment. The vaccines you have prior to departure impact what is recommended. Time is of the essence if in contact with a potentially infected animal.

Prior to travel if there is a rabies risk then vaccine recommendations are 3 pre exposure doses on days 0, 7 and 21-28 (there is an accelerated course).

Treatment – Once symptoms develop there is no treatment and rabies is 100% fatal. This is a truly life-saving vaccine.

Further information https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/20/rabies