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HOME / TRAVEL / RABIES

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Travel advice

RABIES

Rabies is present in many parts of the world. If a person develops rabies death is 100% certain. There are 40,000 deaths worldwide every year from Rabies. Do not be complacent - do not touch any animal, particularly; dogs, cats, monkeys, bats. If you are travelling to remote areas, it is particularly important that you consider getting vaccinated against rabies before you travel

DogWHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SCRATCHED OR BITTEN BY A MAMMAL IN A COUNTRY WHERE RABIES IS PRESENT

  1. Vigorously clean wound with soap and running water for 10 minutes
  2. Encourage the wound to bleed a little
  3. Apply tincture of aqueous iodine solution if you have any, or 40% alcohol or stronger (e.g. whisky)
  4. Obtain information about the animal concerned
  5. SEEK MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY (AT THE LATEST WITHIN 24 HOURS OF INJURY). If you have not been vaccinated you will probably require 5 injections plus an injection of rabies immunoglobulin. If you have been vaccinated you may still require 2 further injections within 48 hours
  6. Do not allow the wound to be stitched unless absolutely necessary
  7. It is vital that you complete the appropriate course of post-exposure treatment offered
  8. Please report the incident back to Leeds Student Medical Practice on your return to the UK

An article in the British Medical Journal in September 2005 reported the case of a British woman who travelled to India. Whilst there she was bitten by a puppy, leaving a slight graze. She had not been vaccinated against Rabies, but thought nothing more about it and did not seek medical help. Three and a half months after returning to the UK she was admitted to hospital with severe shooting pains in her lower back and left leg. She was diagnosed with rabies and died after eighteen days in hospital

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Last revision: February 2012