In this Article

• How do people get rabies?
• Can I get rabies in any way other than an animal bite?
• How soon after an exposure should I seek medical attention?
• What medical attention do I need if I am exposed to rabies?
• Will the rabies vaccine make me sick?
• What if I cannot get rabies vaccine on the day I am supposed to get my next dose?
• Can rabies be transmitted from one person to another?
• How can I protect myself from getting rabies?
• How can I protect my pet from rabies?
• Why does my pet need the rabies vaccine?
• What happens if a neighborhood dog or cat bites me?
• What happens if my pet (cat, dog, ferret) is bitten by a wild animal?
• I am moving to a rabies-free country and want to take my pets with me. Where can I get more information?
• What animals get rabies?
• How can I find out what animals have rabies in my area?
• What is the risk of rabies from squirrels, mice, rats, and other rodents?
• Do bats get rabies?
• What should I do if I come in contact with a bat?
• What should I do if I find a bat in my home?
• How can I tell if a bat has rabies?
• Should I be concerned about rabies when I travel outside the United States?
• Should I receive rabies preexposure prophylaxis before traveling to other countries?
• If I get preexposure vaccination before I travel, am I protected if I am bitten?
• I am moving to a rabies-free country and want to take my pets with me. Where can I get more information?
• Rabies Glossary
• Rabies Index

2. Q: Should I receive rabies preexposure vaccination before traveling to other countries?

A: In most countries, the risk of rabies and the precautions for preventing rabies are the same as they are in the United States. However, in some developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, dog rabies may be common and preventive treatment for rabies may be difficult to obtain. If you are traveling to a rabies-endemic country, you should consult your health care provider about the possibility of receiving preexposure vaccination against rabies. Preexposure vaccination is suggested if:

1. Your planned activity will bring you into contact with wild or domestic animals (for example, biologists, veterinarians, or agriculture specialists working with animals).
2. You will be visiting remote areas where medical care is difficult to obtain or may be delayed (for example, hiking through remote villages where dogs are common).
3. Your stay is longer than 1 month in an area where dog rabies is common (the longer you stay, the greater the chance of an encounter with an animal).

3. Q: If I get preexposure vaccination before I travel, am I protected if I am bitten?

A: No. Preexposure prophylaxis is given for several reasons. First, although preexposure vaccination does not eliminate the need for additional therapy after a rabies exposure, it simplifies therapy by eliminating the need for human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and decreasing the number of doses needed - a point of particular importance for persons at high risk of being exposed to rabies in areas where immunizing products may not be readily available. Second, it may protect persons whose postexposure therapy might be delayed. Finally, it may provide partial protection to persons with inapparent exposures to rabies.

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Vaccination Schedule for Adults and Adolescents - Read the vaccination schedule for adults and teens, and learn about recommended immunizations for MMR, HPV, Td/Tdap, varicella, tetanus, shingles, hepatitis and typhoid.
• Tetanus - Get the facts on tetanus causes (Clostridium tetani bacterial infection), symptoms and signs (lockjaw), diagnosis, vaccination (DTaP) side effects, booster and treatment.
• Vaccination FAQs - Get answers for your vaccination questions, and learn about travel vaccines, immunizations during pregnancy and other vaccine types and dangers.

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