Health experts have warned people traveling abroad about “very serious” infections found in more than 150 countries around the world. In “almost everything,” the virus can be fatal.
In the update, Travel Health Pro advised to check with HolidayMakers to see if the prospective party is affected by rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that spreads to the saliva of infected animals.
Biting or wounding an infected animal can lead to hallucinations, difficulty breathing, and even paralysis. “We've seen a lot of effort into this world,” said Travel Health Pro. “It is important for travelers to endemic rabies areas to be aware of the risks and know what to do if they are bitten or scratched.
“Rabies exist in more than 150 countries and territories on every continent, except Antarctica. Tens of thousands of people die each year from rabies, mainly in Asia and Africa, with 40% being children under the age of 15.”
The case of rabies in travelers is “rare” but “always” fatal. “Bites and wounds from potentially ferocious animals occur more frequently, and it is often difficult to determine whether an animal is infected.”
This month, Spanish officials confirmed the lawsuit of a traveler who was bitten by an Esopia dog. And in 2023, after visiting Morocco, a French traveler was infected.
In 2018, Britt reportedly died after being bitten by a Moroccan cat.
How to stay safe
The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated against rabies. Travel Health Pro recommends checking national information vaccine recommendations to see if rabies exists in bats, wildlife and/or livestock you travel to.
“Consider a pre-exposure rabies vaccine course, which is especially important when traveling to high-risk countries or remote locations you visit.
Travel rabies vaccines are not available free of charge in the UK on the NHS. You can get it:
Private travel vaccination clinic medication with travel health insurance GP surgery (you still have to pay if the vaccine is for travel)
The NHS recommends getting advice at least eight weeks in advance before traveling abroad, as some vaccines (including the rabies vaccine) must be administered a few weeks before your trip.
Traveling
While traveling, avoiding contact with the wild and livestock/pets can also help minimize the risk of rabies. Travel Health Pro says animals that appear to behave normally are still infectious.
Find out what symptoms you need to be aware of and get health advice in The Daily Express's free health newsletter
If you are bitten, injured, or vomited by an animal from overseas:
Immediately: A thorough wound wash with soap and water after animal contact will rinse the wound/area vigorously for several minutes under a running tap, then thoroughly with soap/detergent and water to remove disinfectants such as 70% alcohol or iodine solution, covering the saliva when the saliva of the animal (which contains the bat) in a simple dressing (includes the bat). (Face) thoroughly wash your face with clean water as soon as possible.
“We've seen a lot of effort into this world,” said Travel Health Pro. “Even if the wound or the incident appears to be very trivial, get emergency medical assistance. Don't wait until you see a local doctor and return to the UK.”
