Rabies
Rabies is a disease that’s transmitted from animals to humans (zoonotic disease) caused by the rabies virus. The virus, a type of lyssavirus, is found in domestic and wild animals and is spread to humans through bites or scratches.
Rabies affects the brain and central nervous system and can be fatal. Rabies occurs in over 150 countries including Asia, Africa, North, Central and South America, and Europe.
There is no rabies in Australia, but bats can carry the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) which is closely related to rabies. In Australia, rabies is a notifiable disease which means health authorities must be notified if you have the disease.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against rabies. If you’re planning to go overseas, speak to your doctor six to 12 weeks before you travel. You will usually need three does over a month.
You should also avoid animals when you’re overseas, particularly if you’re in an area where rabies occurs. Avoid contact with stray animals and avoid handling bats in Australia.
How is rabies transmitted?
Rabies is spread from infected animals through infected saliva. This can occur through bites and scratches, or if saliva comes in contact with broken skin, the eyes, nose or mouth. Dogs are responsible for up to 99% of rabies cases, although other animals like cats, bats, monkeys, raccoons and other canine animals such as foxes and wolves can also carry the virus.
Who is at risk of rabies?
Those most at risk of rabies include people who encounter animals in countries where rabies occurs. The World Health Organization has outlined countries where rabies could be contracted. People who handle bats are at risk of contracting Australian bat lyssavirus infection (ABLV).
Map based off World Health Organization data
Who is at risk of rabies?
Those most at risk of rabies include people who encounter animals in countries where rabies occurs. The World Health Organization has outlined countries where rabies could be contracted. People who handle bats are at risk of contracting Australian bat lyssavirus infection (ABLV).
(scroll through to see information for all countries)
Map based off World Health Organization data
Symptoms of rabies
Symptoms of rabies usually occur one to three months after exposure to the virus. However, they may occur within days or even up to several years after exposure. Early symptoms of the virus include:
feeling generally unwell
headache
fever
fatigue
loss of appetite
muscle aches
weakness in arms or legs
confusion
vomiting
pain, tingling or numbness at the wound site
difficulty swallowing
hallucinations
insomnia
fear of water, air or bright lights.
Symptoms usually progress quickly and within a week or two, may include:
paralysis
delirium
convulsions
loss of consciousness
death.
Once symptoms begin there is no treatment for rabies.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Diagnosis
Diagnosing rabies is difficult and sometimes may only be done once someone has died. Laboratory tests are needed to confirm the presence of the virus in the skin, blood, spinal fluid and nervous tissues.
Treatment
If you think you’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal with rabies, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, even if you’ve been vaccinated. To reduce the risk of infection your doctor may recommend treatment. Treatment could involve cleaning the wound, a tetanus vaccination and a combination of multiple doses of rabies vaccine given over a one-month period and an injection of rabies immunoglobulin.
Advice for travellers
If you are treated overseas, ask the doctor for a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) certificate with the following details (preferably in English):
contact details of the clinic you attended
type of rabies immunoglobin (RIG) used (sometimes equine RIG may be used instead of HRIG)
vaccine batch number
the dose of RIG administered
the type of cell culture vaccine used
number of vials used
the route of vaccine administration
the date you received treatment. When you return to Australia, see your doctor for an assessment and give them the above information.
When to see a doctor?
If you’ve been bitten by an animal that you suspect has rabies, it’s important to visit your doctor immediately. Even if you’ve been vaccinated for rabies, you must still see your doctor.
Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. Our pre-travel consultation service can also help you determine what kinds of vaccinations you may need before you travel overseas and provide advice on what type of medications you should take with you. We can also refer you to a doctor if necessary.
Visit your nearest Pharmacy today
Disclaimer
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your healthcare professional. Information is current as of date of publishing.
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