About the disease

Caused by a virus. Dogs, foxes and vampire bats are most likely to pass rabies on to humans. The virus is transmitted via animal saliva.
The incubation period is between 20-90 days.
After a few days of general illness, a fear of water develops and spasms begin. Convulsions and cardiac or respiratory arrest follow, usually within a week. It is extremely lethal. Only one case report of recovery from clinical rabies exists in the world literature.

Treatment:

If bitten in a country where rabies exists, seek medical attention immediately. The wound must be thoroughly cleaned.
If previously vaccinated, protection is usually good but a further two booster doses are usually administered. If rabies vaccination has not been previously administered, immunoglobulin should be injected around the bite area and into large muscles and several booster doses should be administered.

Rabies Vaccine

• Doses required 3
• Given at 0, 7 and 21 or 28 days
• Booster every 3 years
• Adult dose 1ml subcutaneous or intradermal.
• Booster due at 2 - 3 years

Local discomfort - very occasionally, fever - short lived

Cautions

Pregnant women should only receive the vaccine if extremely high risk.