Travel Clinic
Rabies
Before embarking on your travels, make sure to get a rabies vaccination to protect yourself from the deadly virus in case of any animal bites during your trip.
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What is it?
Rabies is a viral disease that is spread by a bite or scratch from an infected animal, usually a dog. It affects the brain and spinal cord and once symptoms are present, it is nearly always fatal. Rabies is estimated to caused around 60,000 human deaths worldwide each year.
Risk areas
Rabies is endemic throughout most of the world.
Prevention
Contact with wild or domestic animals should be avoided by travellers. The following steps should also be taken following potential rabies exposure:
- Immediately wash wound with soap & running water for several minutes
- Apply a disinfectant to the wound such as iodine or 40-70% alcohol
- Apply a simple dressing to the wound
- Seek medical advice as soon as possible
Length of protection
How long does the vaccination protect me for:
- Infrequent risk – booster dose to be considered at 10 years post primary course
- Frequent risk – booster at 1 year and then booster every 3 to 5 years