What is Rabies?
Rabies is transmitted to humans usually by a bite or scratch from an infected animal (usually a dog) and almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
The rabies virus typically transmits to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals, often dogs. The virus then attacks the central nervous system, causing progressive damage to the brain and spinal cord. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Reporting of human Rabies cases is often incomplete, making it challenging to provide reliable worldwide incidence figures. An estimated 59,000 human deaths annually are attributed to the disease. Rabies is rare in travellers with only 25 human deaths in the UK from imported Rabies between 1902 and 2005.
While Rabies cases are uncommon in travellers, animal bites and scratches frequently occur. Travellers in areas where Rabies is present should be mindful of the risk and know the appropriate steps to take if bitten or scratched. Swift administration of the correct post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial for preventing the disease. However, obtaining PEP can be expensive and challenging in certain areas.
Prevention
Contact with wild or domestic animals during travel should be avoided. Travellers should also be advised:
- – Avoid approaching animals
- – Refrain from trying to pick up unusually tame or sick-looking animals
- – Prevent attracting stray animals through food or careless litter handling
Be aware that certain activities may attract dogs (e.g. running, cycling)
The following advice can be given regarding first aid following a possible Rabies exposure:
Urgent action is required; treatment should be commenced as soon as possible after the exposure
Immediately wash the wound with detergent or soap and running water for several minutes
Apply a disinfectant to the wound such as an iodine solution (tincture or an aqueous solution of povidone-iodine) or 40-70% alcohol
Apply a simple dressing to the wound
Seek immediate medical advice about the need for PEP and possible antibiotics to prevent a wound infection
Tetanus vaccine may be necessary if the traveller is not up-to-date Suturing of the wound should be postponed until PEP has started.
Rabies Vaccine
All those who are at continuous or frequent risk of exposure should be offered the pre-exposure vaccine. Groups in these risk categories include:
- – Laboratory workers routinely handling rabies virus
- – Bat handlers who regularly handle bats
- – Those who regularly handle imported animals
- – Animal workers who regularly travel to rabies-risk areas
- – Health workers in rabies-risk areas who may have direct contact with rabies-infected patients
Most international travellers to areas with rabies are usually at ‘infrequent risk,’ but we recommend pre-exposure vaccines for those engaging in higher-risk activities or planning long stays. This includes people visiting areas with limited access to PEP, participating in higher-risk activities, and those on extended stays. In countries where rabies is only found in wild animals or bats, we recommend pre-exposure vaccines for a smaller group of travellers.
Book your Rabies vaccine in Manchester today!
Find out what vaccines you need for your destination and book your appointment below, or get in touch if you have any questions.
Price: £89 per dose (3 doses required)
