RABIES

Carried only by mammals, this deadly disease is common in Africa, Central America and certain nearby Caribbean islands, South America, Asia, India, the Middle East and rural Northern Europe.

Rabies is a viral infection of the central nervous system (a type of encephalitis) transmitted via the infected saliva of a host animal (mammals only), through an open wound such as a bite or lick. This disease is almost universally fatal. Once signs and symptoms of rabies develop, there is no treatment to improve the outcome. The greatest care must be taken to avoid contact and prevent infection.

IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING FOR OVER 1 MONTH TO ANY RABIES INFECTED AREAS YOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THE RABIES VACCINATION COURSE.

People ask what are the symptoms of rabies. In fact, this is a question which is irrelevant as once you have the symptoms, you WILL die. But if you want to know, here they are.... After an incubation period of 5 days to many years (up to 17!), the virus travels through the nervous system to infect the brain, and from there migrates to the salivary glands. Initially, there is pain at the site of infection, usually an animal bite, which then develops into a tingling sensation. The skin becomes very sensitive to temperature changes and air currents. Anxiety, headache, fever, hallucinations, delirium, muscle spasm and convulsions develop, as may rigidity and paralysis. Painful spasm in the larynx leads to hydrophobia (water phobia, and thus refusal to drink). The sufferer may produce large amounts of thick saliva, which can be perceived as "foaming at the mouth". Coma and death result.

Possible carrier animals are mammals, including domestic cats and dogs, bats, jackals, foxes, rats, skunks, raccoons, mongooses and monkeys. Rabid animals can behave unpredictably, alternating between passivity and aggressive rage without warning. But any mammal may carry the disease, so it is recommended not to approach any animal.

The risk of infection with rabies will obviously be higher for those who will have habitual contact with animals e.g. veterinarians. Those intending to work with animals or do a large amount of camping, as well as children and long term travellers should actively consider rabies vaccination prior to travel.

Vaccination results in lifelong cover if you have a booster after a year. We can provide a reminder for this so you will only ever have to do this once.