Unravelling Rabies: A Critical Guide for Travellers and Healthcare Providers

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Rabies remains a deadly disease that can be overlooked, but with pretty much 100% fatality once symptoms develop and nearly 100% prevention with vaccines, it deserves our attention. Our guest Alys, a Travel Health Nurse Specialist and Immunisation Trainer, explains why every traveller should be aware of rabies risks regardless of destination.

• Rabies can be transmitted through minor contact with animal saliva – even a small scratch can be fatal
• The virus hides from the immune system while travelling to the brain, making it undetectable until it's often too late for treatment
• Pre-exposure vaccination requires three doses but simplifies treatment if bitten and eliminates the need for hard-to-source immunoglobulins
• All mammals can carry rabies – not just dogs but cats, monkeys, bats, pigs and even seals
• Children, long-stay travellers, and those visiting rural areas are at highest risk
• Immediate wound washing and prompt medical attention is crucial if bitten or scratched by an animal
• Post-exposure treatment in the UK is an NHS service that should be provided free of charge
• There is no time limit on when post-exposure treatment can begin – even exposures from years ago should be reported

If you're traveling abroad, especially with children or to rural areas, consider rabies pre-exposure vaccination and always avoid contact with animals, however cute and friendly they may seem.

Here are some helpful links

Alys’ Website - Alys's Classroom: Education Resources | Alys's classroom

The Green Book - Rabies green book chapter 27

Rabies Post Exposure Treatment Guidelines - Rabies post-exposure treatment: management guidelines - GOV.UK

Rabies and Immunoglobulin Service (RIgS) - Rabies and Immunoglobulin Service (RIgS) - GOV.UK

Rabies Information for Travellers - Rabies – Information for travellers

Rabies Risk By Country - Rabies risks in terrestrial animals by country - GOV.UK

Robert Steffen’s ‘Steffenogram’ Research - https://academic.oup.com/jtm/article/30/7/taad085/7204327 

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