The risk of Rabies is usually very low on the list of things we think about when we go overseas, however the risk of a random bite or scratch from animals, particularly dogs, remains a risk for travellers. When it does happen, it causes a lot of stress when overseas and on return.
World Rabies day tries to raise the profile of this underestimated disease which mainly affects people, particularly children, living in developing countries.
Nearly 60000 people die from Rabies annually as far as we are aware. It is a virus which is spread via saliva and affects the nervous system in humans. If not managed promptly or properly it is nearly always fatal.
Dogs are the main reservoir of Rabies, but cats, bats, monkeys and other animals can also transmit the illness.
There are effective vaccines which can be used to prevent and treat, but are often not used because of cost, number of doses required and access.
Preventive vaccination before travel allows for easier, safer and more effective treatment after an exposure. WHO have recently reduced the number of doses required prior to exposure. Talk to one our Travel Doctor’s before your next trip.
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