Rabies

Click on images below for detailed Rabies facts and prevention information.

Be prepared. Your local Travel Clinic can help you plan for a safe and healthy adventure. What Is It? Rabies is a rare viral infection of the brain that follows a bite, scratch, or, less commonly, a lick from an infected animal. Rabies is fatal if not treated, but can be prevented by prompt immunization after exposure. Where Is It? Rabies is found on all continents, except Antarctica. In certain areas of the world, canine rabies is an especially high risk. However, the types of animals which most often can be infected with rabies vary from country to country. Your local Travel Clinic will have information relating to rabies in the countries you will be visiting. Prevention Tips Be aware of your surroundings at all times and stay alert. Remember, not all rabid animals behave ferociously - some become docile. Animals which may carry rabies can include dogs, cats, foxes, skunks, raccoons, bats and cattle. Avoid contact with wild animals and stray domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats while visiting areas of increased rabies risk. If you are bitten or scratched by any animal that might have rabies, wash the wound immediately for several minutes with lots of soap and clean water. You must see a doctor immediately for treatment, even if you have been vaccinated. A vaccine called Imovax® if given now - before any potential contact with an infected animal may save your life. In addition, pre-exposure vaccination with Imovax® will reduce the number of injections you required if you are exposed to rabies during your trip. Available Immunizations You should consider pre-exposure vaccination against rabies if: you will be spending one month or more in countries where rabies exists; you will be travelling in rural areas, away from a major medical centre; you will be working in a job that may expose you to rabies. For example: certain laboratory workers, veterinarians, animal control and wildlife workers, spelunkers, forest rangers, conservation officers, agricultural specialists People whose travel abroad may involve more frequent animal contact - such as hikers in rabies-risk areas. If you are going to be vaccinated, a series of 3 injections of Imovax® will be required. You will receive: two injections, one week apart; a third injection, two weeks after the second injection. Vaccination is normally given after contact with a suspect animal. Even if you have received three injections of vaccine, you must still see a doctor for prompt medical treatment if you have reason to believe that you have been exposed to rabies.

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