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.

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted to humans usually by a bite or scratch from an infected animal (usually a dog). The virus attacks the central nervous system causing, progressive damage to the brain and spinal cord. Once symptoms are present, rabies is almost always fatal.

Human rabies cases are often unreported so it is difficult to provide reliable figures on the incidence worldwide. The disease is estimated to cause 59,000 human deaths annually. Rabies is rare in travellers with only 25 human deaths in the UK from imported rabies between 1902 and 2005.

Although rabies cases are rare in travellers, animal bites and scratches are common. It is important that travellers visiting areas where rabies occurs are aware of the risk and know what to do if they are bitten or scratched. The disease is preventable if the correct post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is provided quickly. PEP can be expensive and difficult to obtain in some areas.

Prevention

Contact with wild or domestic animals during travel should be avoided. Travellers should also be advised:

• Not to approach animals
• Not to attempt to pick up an unusually tame animal or one that appears to be unwell
• Not to attract stray animals by offering food or by being careless with litter

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 aqueous solution of povodone-iodine) or 40-70 percent 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 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 rabies affected areas are considered to be at ‘infrequent risk’, but pre-exposure vaccines are recommended for those whose activities put them at increased risk.

For countries with rabies in domestic and wild animals these travellers include:

• those visiting areas where access to PEP and medical care is limited those planning higher risk activities such as cycling and running long-stay travellers (more than one month).

In countries where rabies has only been reported in wild animals or bats, pre-exposure vaccines are recommended for a smaller group of travellers.