Rabies

Rabies is fatal neurotropic virus almost always transmitted by an animal bite that inoculates the virus into wounds. All mammals are believed to be susceptible, but carnivores and bats are the groups most susceptible to the disease. Although it differs from region to region, dogs are the main reservoir in developing countries.

Affected Areas:
Rabies is found on all continents except for Antarctica. In certain areas, canine rabies remains highly endemic. These locations include parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. The disease is also found in most of the countries in Africa, Asia, and Central America.

Symptoms:
The symptoms of rabies work in a progression of stages. They are:

• Paralysis
• Spasms of swallowing muscles can be stimulated by the sight, sound, or perception of water (aka hydrophobia)
• Delirium
• Convulsions
• Coma
• Death

Treatment and Prevention:
As with many diseases and viruses, there is a vaccine. There are three different vaccines available. They include: pre-exposure vaccination with human diploid cell, purified chick embryo cell vaccine, and rabies vaccine absorbed. The pre-exposure vaccine is recommended for veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, missionaries, and certain laboratory workers. This particular vaccine does not eliminate the need for additional medical attention after rabies exposure but does simplify the matter.

The types of diseases vary with each destination. After browsing through this site you may also call or email Travel Health Help for more detailed information: 1-888-621-3952