Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that infects the nervous system. The virus is transmitted through bites or licks from infected animals to open wounds or mucous membranes. It can also be acquired by inhaling infected bat aerosols. Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and other warm-blooded animals. The time period between contracting the disease and the start of symptoms is usually one to three months; however it can vary from less than one week to more than one year. The illness is fatal.
Private GP London - Rabies Virus
Information about this disease and how to protect yourself
About Rabies
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that infects the nervous system. The illness is fatal. Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and other warm-blooded animals. The time period between contracting the disease and the start of symptoms is usually one to three months; however it can vary from less than one week to more than one year. The time is dependent on the distance the virus must travel to reach the symptoms may include fever and tingling at the site of exposure. This is then followed by, either:
- Violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, and fear of water, or
- An inability to move parts of the body and confusion followed by loss of consciousness
IMPORTANT – In both cases once symptoms appear it nearly always results in death.
Symptoms of Rabies
Symptoms of rabies may include fever and tingling at the site of exposure. This is then followed by one of two sets of symptoms. In both cases once symptoms appear it nearly always results in death.
- The first is violent movements along with uncontrolled excitement and fear of water
- The second is an inability to move parts of the body along with confusion, followed by loss of consciousness
High-risk countries
- Parts of the USA
- Brazil
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- India
- Mexico
- Nepal
- Peru
- The Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Who develops Rabies?
Backpackers, adventure travellers and travellers to parts of the USA, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam who are at risk of bites from rabid animals, or the inhalation of bat droppings.
How is Rabies contracted?
Rabies is transmitted through bites or licks from infected animals to open wounds or mucous membranes. It can also be acquired by inhaling infected bat aerosols.
Who should be vaccinated?
Any traveller over two years of age is at high risk of exposure when travelling to areas of Rabies infection.
What is the vaccine?
The vaccine is a series of 3 injections given on days 0, 7 and 28. Travel can occur immediately after the third injection.
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