What is rabies, how to avoid it and how to recognise the symptoms?
Rabies is a rare and serious infection that affects the brain and the nervous system, so it is important to be aware of information about it.
Human cases of rabies are very rare in the UK, but it poses a risk to travellers visiting regions where the disease remains prevalent.
While the risk is still small, rabies is more common in parts of Asia, Africa, Central America and South America.
Here's all you need to know about the infection, including how to recognise symptoms and how to avoid it.
If you're travelling to a country where rabies is present, it's worth knowing how to reduce your risk - read our blog post for more info. 🔗https://t.co/YxAVeRUyzN pic.twitter.com/6WFYmmkPhi
— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) June 18, 2025
According to the NHS website, rabies is spread by mammals, such as dogs, bats, raccoons and foxes.
You can get rabies if you're bitten or scratched by an infected animal.
Additionally, it can be passed on if an infected animal licks your eyes, nose or mouth, or you have a wound that's licked by an infected animal.
Rabies symptoms usually take between three to 12 weeks to appear, but they can also occur within a few days or take several months or years.
Symptoms of the infection include:
numbness or tingling where you were bitten or scratched
seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)
feeling very anxious or energetic
difficulty swallowing or breathing
being unable to move (paralysis)
Once symptoms develop in an infected person after they have been exposed, it is almost always fatal.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says you need to take a number of immediate steps if you believe you have been in contact with a rabies-infected animal.
You should wash the wound with plenty of soap and water for several minutes to reduce the risk of infection.
Additionally, seek local medical attention without delay, as treating it sooner will be more effective.
They add: "Contact your GP on return to the UK, even if you received post-exposure treatment abroad or the exposure happened several weeks ago.
"You may need to continue a course of rabies vaccines. If you have a record of any treatment given, remember to bring this with you."
According to the NHS website, the level of protection varies, but a full course should last one or two years.
People who are travelling to areas with a risk of rabies more than a year after their course of vaccines can have a single booster dose.
If you're travelling to a region where there is a chance of rabies, you need to take preventative measures.
The UKHSA recommends consulting a travel health professional before your trip.
Recommended reading:
Person dies in Yorkshire from rabies after contact with a stray dog in Morocco
How long do colds last and how can you cure them quickly?
Urgent Mounjaro and Ozempic warning for anyone planning a holiday
They can determine if pre-exposure vaccination is recommended based on your destination and planned activities.
The UKHSA adds: "Vaccination is particularly important if you'll be staying for over a month, engaging in outdoor activities, or travelling to areas with limited access to medical care."
It is also advised to avoid contact with animals as much as possible when travelling.
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