BHI Travel Health Cork

• Travel advice
• Before you leave
• List of travel vaccines
• Long-haul flights
• Water hygiene
• Food-borne diseases
• Malaria
• Protection against insect bites
• Altitude sickness
• Sun exposure
• Swimming
• Rabies
• HIV and STDs
• When you return

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease occurring throughout the world. It is transmitted to humans from a bite, lick or scratch from an infected warm blood animal (typically dogs, cats and monkeys). It causes a fatal inflammation of the brain.

There is no cure. However, post-exposure treatment will prevent the disease if started within 24 hours.

Travellers to remote destinations or those planning extensive trekking should be vaccinated against rabies. Even with vaccination, post exposure treatment is still required but a simplified regime will be sufficient.

• Treat any contact with animals very seriously
• Wash out the wound with any liquid
• Apply plenty of antiseptic
• Obtain adequate medical attention as soon as possible