Rabies: what is it, how dangerous is it, how do you get it, and should you vaccinate?

What is rabies?

• Rabies is a viral infection of the brain, caused by lyssaviruses
• The virus is usually transmitted through the bite of an animal (or human) infected with the rabies virus.
• Animals that can transmit it include dogs, raccoons, monkeys, foxes, and bats.
• Rabies is very dangerous and, if untreated, can be fatal.

Where does rabies occur?

• Rabies occurs almost everywhere in the world.
• However, there are areas where the risk of infection is higher, such as South Asia, particularly India, and parts of South America.
• Be especially careful with stray dogs or aggressive guard dogs in rural areas. Working with wild animals also carries an increased risk of infection.

What causes rabies?

• After a bite, it takes some time, depending on the location, for symptoms to appear.
• The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. The virus can enter the body through wounds or mucous membranes.
• The virus multiplies in the muscles and then travels through the nervous system to the brain.
• The closer the bite is to the brain, the faster symptoms develop.
• This time can vary from two weeks to several months.

What symptoms can you experience with rabies?

• It usually begins with vague symptoms; nausea, headache, loss of appetite, a mild fever, and a sore throat are common.
• The first symptoms appear between 20 and 90 days.
• In later stages, these symptoms are followed by irritability, convulsions, and hypersensitivity to bright light and loud noises.
• Ultimately, without early treatment, the disease is always fatal.

Are there vaccinations against rabies?

• Vaccination is the primary means of preventing a fatal infection.
• If you were vaccinated before a bite, you must receive additional, shorter treatment after the bite. You will then need two more regular vaccinations after the bite or scratch. These are usually available in the country where you contracted rabies.
• If you were not vaccinated before a bite, you will need antibodies. These antibodies are difficult to obtain in some countries. If you are going to a specific volunteer project or a fixed location, check in advance whether they are available there.

What does a rabies vaccination cost?

• In the EU, a rabies vaccination costs an average of 90 euros per shot. Vaccinations administered just under the skin can be less expensive; check with your vaccination doctor, as this is not possible for everyone.
• Abroad, the price can vary considerably, from approximately 10 euros per shot in Thailand to 200 euros in the US.

How long is a rabies vaccination valid?

• If you've only had one shot, it's generally valid for three years. If you're bitten, you'll need an additional shot with the antidote within 24 hours.
• If you've had two or three shots, you have basic protection for life. If you're bitten, you'll need two additional shots within 48 hours, but not with the antidote. The antidote, in particular, isn't always available or of sufficient quality in many locations and countries.
• Previously, the rabies vaccination was only valid for about three months, making it relatively expensive.

When should you get a rabies vaccination?

• If you're going on a cycling holiday, a rabies vaccination is recommended because there's a higher risk of being bitten by dogs.
• If you're going to a volunteer project with animals that can transmit rabies and there aren't enough vaccines or care facilities near the project site.
• If you're traveling where there's a high risk of being scratched or bitten by an animal that can transmit rabies.
• If you frequently travel where you might come into contact with rabies-carrying animals.

What can you do to prevent rabies abroad?

• It's important to avoid being bitten, licked, or scratched by potentially infected mammals.
• Petting stray dogs, for example, isn't exactly Russian roulette, but it comes pretty close in some destinations and locations. Petting pet monkeys can also be much more exciting than you might think. It's best to first check with the owner whether the animal in question has been vaccinated against rabies, and if that's not possible, try to keep your hands to yourself.
• Avoid contact with injured or dead animals in any case.
• If you are volunteering with dogs, monkeys or other rabies-sensitive animals, check with your organization to what extent the animals are vaccinated before you allow them to come very close to you.

How can you treat rabies?

• If you have been bitten, always rinse the wound thoroughly with soap and water, or just with water, and then disinfect with iodine or 70% alcohol.
• If you have been bitten by an animal suspected of being rabies-infected and there are no symptoms yet, it is important to get treated with the additional vaccinations within 48 hours. If you have not had any vaccinations beforehand, a 24-hour period is recommended.
• Therefore, contact your travel insurance emergency center immediately for assistance as quickly as possible, and go directly to a local doctor or medical center if possible.
• Once symptoms appear, treatment is virtually no longer possible, and the disease is almost always fatal.
• Approximately 60,000 people die from rabies worldwide. A lot of attempts are currently being made, but an effective treatment has not yet been found.