Rabies (cont.)
In this Article

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:
- Your planned activity will bring you into contact
with wild or domestic animals (for example, biologists, veterinarians, or
agriculture specialists working with animals).
- 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).
- 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
Last Editorial Review: 8/29/2006
Next: I am moving to a rabies-free country and want to take my pets with me.
Where can I get more information? »
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- 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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