Posted on Wednesday, 21 November 2018

Many countries popular with UK tourists have a problem with rabies - a viral disease passed on by infected cats, dogs and some wild animals.

The disease has come to the fore in recent days after a British tourist died in Morocco this month after being bitten by a cat.

Public Health England (PHE) said there was “no risk to the wider public in relation to this case”, but that health workers and close family and friends underwent medical assessment and were offered a vaccination, "as a precautionary measure."

While the disease is common in Africa and Asia, there are simple steps to take to minimise the risk of infection.

Avoid contact with animals

The simplest and most logical way to avoid being infected by a rabid animal is not to touch or approach any animals while you're away.

What if I am bitten?

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisations at PHE, said: "If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal you must wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay.”

Wash the wound for several minutes

The NHS also advises cleaning the wound for several minutes with running water and soap. It also recommends that Britons heading to high risk countries consider getting vaccinated against rabies, particularly if they are staying for several weeks, or are undertaking activities that might increase the possibility of being bitten by a rabid infected animal.

Chances of infection following a bite

According to the US National Center for Biotechnology Information, the chance of contracting rabies after being bitten by an infected animal “is about 15%, but it varies (from 0.1% to 60%).”

The chances of being bitten at all vary depending on various factors, but as a guide the NCBI website states: “Dog bites are a common occurrence among tourists. In one study, 13 dog bites per 1000 people visiting Thailand were reported.”

Taking out travel insurance

In the event of being bitten, any medical costs should be covered by your travel insurance provider. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommends that all UK residents heading overseas should take out comprehensive travel insurance.

'High risk' countries

Many countries in which rabies exists are popular with UK tourists, including Thailand, India, Mexico and Egypt. A full list of countries can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Should you get a rabies vaccine?

The NHS website says you should "consider getting vaccination" if "you plan to stay for a month or more" in a high risk country, and where there is unlikely to be fast, appropriate medical care available. Additionally, you should consider getting vaccinated if "you plan to do activities that could put you at increased risk of exposure to animals with rabies, such as running or cycling."

Crucially, it takes up to four weeks to complete a vaccination course, so you need to plan well ahead of your departure from the UK.

Where can I get vaccinated?

You may be able to get vaccinated at your local GP surgery, but you may be required to pay for it.

How much does it cost?

The vaccine is given in three doses, each costing £40 - £60, with a full course costing from £120 - £180.

The vaccine is given as injections into your upper arm.

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