Rabies Vaccinations

Death is the usual outcome of a rabies infection if it is not treated promptly. The rabies virus is contracted from bites or scratches from an infected animal (wild or domestic). It causes encephalomyelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord and brain. Dog bites are the most common infection route, but bats are considered a risk worldwide, as well as cats and monkeys in some areas. Any warm-blooded animal could carry rabies.

If you are bitten by an animal in an area where rabies is endemic, seek immediate medical attention even if you have been vaccinated.

Rabies symptoms

Once a patient has the symptoms of rabies, the case will be fatal.

Get prompt medical advice if you are bitten or scratched by an animal in a country where rabies occurs.

After an incubation period, which can vary a lot, the patient experiences symptoms including fever, headache, weakness and sometimes tingling at the wound site. As the infection progresses, there may be muscle spasms. Patients may also experience anxiety and hallucinations, as well as a fear of water and drinking (hydrophobia). Death from respiratory failure is the usual outcome once neurological symptoms emerge.

Countries where rabies is a risk

There is a risk of contracting rabies throughout the world, except in Antarctica. Most human deaths from rabies occur in Africa, Asia and South America. The World Health Organization has a map showing where rabies is a risk.

Travellers who may be exposed to rabies

There are some travellers who may be at increased risk of animal bites, and therefore at risk of contracting rabies. These include:

• runners
• cyclists
• children
• people travelling to work with animals such as researchers, shelter workers or zoo workers. Laboratory workers may also be exposed via samples

The following groups of travellers should also consider getting the rabies shot:

• long-stay travellers (more than a month)
• travellers who may have difficulty accessing healthcare

How can I avoid getting rabies?

You can avoid rabies by avoiding contact with dogs, bats and other wild animals (including dead ones). Rabies is contracted through an animal’s saliva, so even just a lick on broken skin could potentially infect you.

Warn children in your party about rabies and tell them they should inform you about any animal bites, scratches or licks.

It may not be possible to avoid an animal bite so a pre-exposure vaccine is recommended. However, even with this vaccine, seek medical attention immediately after an animal bite. Do not wait until you return to Canada.

A post-exposure treatment must be administered within a few days if it is judged necessary, so always seek medical advice if you are bitten or scratched by an animal in an area where rabies is endemic.

First aid for an animal bite or scratch

A wound caused by an animal bite or scratch should immediately be washed with soap and water for ten minutes and then rinsed with alcohol or iodine. A healthcare professional then needs to assess you to work out which steps to take next.