Rabies: Deadly but Preventable – What Every Traveller Should Know

Rabies is an ancient and deadly disease that, once symptoms appear, is almost always fatal. Every year, around 60,000 people worldwide lose their lives to rabies, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia. Tragically, half of the victims are children under the age of 15, with most infections resulting from dog bites.

Why Should Travellers Be Concerned About Rabies?

While rabies in travellers is rare, encounters with animals are common when travelling. Whether you’re visiting rural villages, hiking, biking or on an adventure trip, you might unknowingly come into contact with animals carrying the rabies virus. Let’s dispel some common myths about rabies and travel:

Myth 1: Rabies Only Comes from Dogs

Many people mistakenly believe that only dogs carry the rabies virus. In reality, other mammals, such as monkeys, bats, wild boars and stray cats, can also transmit rabies. The virus is typically spread through bites or scratches, it can even enter the body through saliva if an infected animal licks an open wound.

Popular tourist destinations like temples, historical sites and national parks often have wildlife roaming freely. Children, in particular, are more vulnerable to animal bites as they are curious and may not be cautious around animals. This makes travelling with kids to these places a potential risk for rabies exposure.

Myth 2: I Can Just Get Vaccinated at My Destination

Some travellers assume that they can easily access rabies vaccines abroad. However, this is often overly optimistic. Rabies vaccination requires at least two doses and protection only begins to build two weeks after the first injection, which makes it impractical for short trips. Moreover, in developing countries or remote areas, the supply of vaccines can be limited. Language barriers may also complicate seeking medical care. In contrast, Hong Kong offers a reliable supply of rabies vaccines, allowing you to get fully vaccinated before your trip without hassle.

Myth 3: Treatment After a Bite is Simple

If you are bitten by an animal, getting vaccinated alone is not enough. In addition to basic wound cleaning, you need to receive rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) as soon as possible, followed by a series of rabies vaccine shots. Unfortunately, in remote areas, RIG availability is extremely limited. In some African countries, local policies prioritize treatment for residents, meaning travellers may not be able to access the necessary care even if they are willing to pay a premium. This makes pre-travel vaccination the safest option.

Getting Vaccinated Before You Travel: The Best Protection

Rabies is deadly, but the good news is that it’s entirely preventable. For those planning trips to high-risk areas such as Africa or Southeast Asia, getting vaccinated before you travel significantly reduces your risk of infection. At Shoebill Co-Traveller, we offer Verorab (Sanofi), an inactivated rabies vaccine. You can complete the two-dose schedule with a 7-day interval.

With the ongoing global shortage of rabies vaccines, we make every effort to ensure a steady supply at our clinics so you can get vaccinated without worrying about availability. Book your rabies vaccination in advance, enjoy your travels with peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are protected from this deadly disease. Stay safe and explore the world with confidence!

Reference:

Rabies (WHO, 2024)

Rabies Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (CDC, 2024)