Countries At Risk
Rabies occurs worldwide with the exception of Antarctica. Low risk areas include North America, Australia, Europe and Japan with the rest of the world being medium to high risk
The disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable through prompt treatment and vaccination.
Low- and middle-income countries where access to vaccines and medical care is limited are most at risk. India alone accounts for nearly 35% of global rabies deaths each year. This is largely due to the high population of stray dogs and limited access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Other high-risk countries in Asia include Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In Africa, nations such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania face similar challenges.
Rabies is primarily transmitted through dog bites in these regions. A lack of widespread dog vaccination programs, combined with low public awareness and poor access to medical treatment, contributes to the continued spread of the disease, with rural and remote areas most vulnerable.
Countries in Europe, North America, and much of Latin America have successfully eradicated dog-mediated rabies as a result of extensive vaccination efforts and public health initiatives. However, wildlife rabies still exists in some of these areas, carried by animals such as bats, raccoons, and foxes.
The World Health Organization (WHO), along with other partners, has set a goal to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030.
Travel confidently and book an appointment with Travel Clinic Bromley today to discuss your trip and vaccine requirements.
Travel Precautions
It is important to avoid touching or petting any animals while abroad. Ensure that any cuts or open wounds are properly covered with bandages.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of rabies can take time to develop and may include tingling and itching at the site of the infection, fever, an irrational fear of water, and aggressive behavior. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
The Vaccination
The rabies vaccination consists of three doses administered over 21 or 28 days, with the second dose given 7 days after the first. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
If you have not received any pre-exposure rabies vaccinations, you must seek medical attention within 24 hours. If you completed the full course of three vaccinations before travel, it is still essential to get medical care, but you have an additional 24 hours to reach the hospital. In this case, you would only need two additional vaccinations, compared to five vaccinations and a blood transfusion if no prior vaccinations were received.
Our Bromley Travel Clinics
Conveniently located clinics in Bromley, South London.
