The Rabies Virus

Sadly, the news last week included a story about the death of a British woman who had died as a result of being scratched by a dog carrying the rabies virus while on holiday in Morrocco.

Rabies is very rare in the UK, but it is found in parts of Africa, Asia and Central and South America.  The disease is spread to humans by a scratch, a bite or by having your nose, eyes or mouth licked by an infected animal.

Commonly, bats and foxes can carry rabies and so can unvaccinated cats and dogs. Unfortunately, in countries where dogs and cats are left to roam the streets, they can be hard to avoid.

What is the Rabies Virus?

Rabies is an infection caused by a virus that affects the nervous system and the brain. Sometimes the symptoms of rabies appear quickly, but usually, they will take between 3 weeks and 3 months, or longer to appear.

Rabies Symptoms

The symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• A tingling feeling or numbness where you were scratched or bitten
• Feeling energic or very anxious
• Hallucinating (seeing things that aren’t there)
• Paralysis (being unable to move)

Unfortunately, once you have the symptoms of rabies it is almost always too late to treat and will prove to be fatal.

Bitten or Scratched While in a Country Where Rabies Is Common?

Even if you feel fine, wash the wound thoroughly and get medical help immediately. Don’t leave it until the end of your stay abroad or when you are back in the UK. Rabies can often be prevented if treatment is applied quickly.

What Countries are a Risk?

The UK Security Agency has published a list of rabies risks by country. Each country is no-risk, low, or high-risk. The countries are in alphabetical order. For example, if you click on the United Kingdom, it says No risk in animals and low risk in bats.  High-risk countries include Morocco, India, Thailand, the Dominican Republic and Romania.  

Rabies Treatment

You will be given two doses of the rabies vaccine and, if you haven’t been vaccinated before trave you’ll also be given an injection of a medicine called rabies immunoglobulin.

The Rabies Vaccine

The best way to protect yourself is to have the vaccine. It is recommended if you are travelling to a country where rabies is present. It is especially important if you are going to be outdoors a great deal, or you will be in a place where medical help isn’t nearby.

Do I Need a Rabies Vaccine in the UK?

No. There is a low risk from some UK species of bats that carry rabies-like viruses. It is unlikely you’ll get bitten or scratched by a bat unless you handle one. For example, if you come across an injured bat then only pick it up if you are wearing thick gloves.

Help From The Pharmacy

You can have a rabies vaccine at our pharmacy’s travel vaccination clinic. The vaccine is in 3 doses and the first dose must be administered at least 4 weeks before travel. You’ll also require a booster after 3 years. The cost per dose is £72.29. The vaccine is suitable for adults and children from 6 months old.

Making an Appointment

You can book an appointment at the travel clinic online. Or you can phone us on 01276 21002 or pop in and speak to a member of staff.