Rabies: What You Need to Know

Rabies is a viral infection that spreads through the bite, scratch, or saliva of an infected animal. The virus attacks the central nervous system, leading to severe brain inflammation and death if untreated. Although rare in the UK, rabies is still a major concern in many countries worldwide.

Because there is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear, vaccination is the only way to prevent infection if you’re at risk.

Rabies spreads through direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal. This typically happens when a person is bitten, scratched, or licked on broken skin or mucous membranes (such as the eyes, nose, or mouth).

Common Ways Rabies is Transmitted:

• Animal Bites – Dogs, bats, monkeys, foxes, raccoons, and other wild or stray animals.
• Scratches from an Infected Animal – Even minor scratches can introduce the virus.
• Saliva Contact – If infected saliva enters an open wound, eyes, nose, or mouth.

Symptoms of Rabies

Rabies symptoms can take 2 weeks to several months to appear after exposure. Once symptoms begin, the disease is almost always fatal.

• Early Symptoms: Fever and flu-like illness, Weakness and fatigue Pain, tingling, or burning at the bite site.
• Advanced Symptoms: Confusion and agitation, Difficulty swallowing and excessive drooling, Hydrophobia (fear of water), Muscle paralysis and seizures, Coma and death.

The Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccine is highly effective and is recommended for:

• Travellers to high-risk countries, especially those visiting remote areas.
• People working with animals (e.g., vets, zookeepers, animal rescue workers).
• Cave explorers (bat exposure risk).

Vaccine Schedule & Dosage

• Pre-Exposure Vaccination: Three doses given over 21-28 days for full protection.
• Post-Exposure Vaccination: If bitten or scratched by an animal, a course of four or five doses is required, depending on vaccination history.

Once vaccinated, a booster dose may be needed every 3–5 years for continued protection.

Which Countries Are at Risk?

Rabies is most common in regions where stray animals and wildlife carry the virus. If you’re travelling to remote areas or staying in places where medical care is limited, you should consider vaccination before travel.

High-Risk Regions Include:

• Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa)
• Asia (India, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Indonesia)
• South & Central America (Brazil, Peru, Mexico)
• Eastern Europe (Russia, Ukraine)
• The Middle East (Turkey, Iran, Iraq)