Precautions to take against rabies infection

Dr. Charl van Loggerenberg, regional medical director at International SOS explains: "We frequently receive calls to our assistance centre related to animal bites. In countries with endemic rabies, all animal bites and scratches and even a lick to broken skin must be taken seriously. If medical attention is not sought immediately and the patient contracts rabies, the disease is fatal. Rabies can however be prevented through appropriate vaccination."

High risk countries

Rabies is found on all continents except Antarctica. Worldwide, most cases of human rabies occur in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and there are a number of high-risk countries including Africa, India, Brazil, China, Indonesia and Thailand. Cats, monkeys, bats and foxes are also sources of infection. In Europe and North America, rabies is most often found in wild animals such as bats and foxes. Travellers with extensive outdoor exposure may be at high risk even if the trip is brief. In particular, anyone who plans to go jogging or cycling should consider vaccination.

Assessment and prevention regimens are crucial for travellers and expats working abroad. Companies should consider rabies along with other public health threats in custom assessment and vaccination regimens to meet their Duty of Care obligations for travellers. In many places, quality vaccination for rabies treatment is in short supply or not available at all. If treatment is not available, it may be necessary to evacuate a person so they can receive appropriate care.

"We strongly recommend travellers and expatriates to get vaccinated before they go to countries where the disease is endemic; especially if they are potentially going to interact with animals. Longer-term visitors are at particular risk. So are children, who are more likely to pet stray animals. If a possible exposure to rabies occurs, treatment is needed promptly, the sooner the better. Pre-exposure vaccination is essential to prevent the disease," Dr. van Loggerenberg advises.

Steps to take

• If bitten, scratched or licked by an animal, seek medical advice promptly.
  
• Immediately cleanse the wound with soap and water, and a povidone-iodine solution, if available.
  
• Seek medical advice from your medical assistance company or another qualified source. Notify the doctor that you may have been exposed to rabies, even if you have had pre-exposure vaccination. They can then immediately assess the need for rabies post-exposure treatment.