Rabies when travelling

Rabies is found mainly in Asia, Africa and parts of Latin America. Dogs cause most cases, but all mammals can transmit it. The virus enters through a wound, even a small one. It then travels slowly up the nerves to the brain, over weeks or months, without any symptoms. Once it reaches the brain, there is no treatment.

This is why vaccines given after the bite work: they make your body produce antibodies that stop the virus on its way. If you were not vaccinated before, immunoglobulins are added: ready-made antibodies, injected around the wound.

Without the vaccine, a bite requires immunoglobulins, which are often impossible to find locally. The vaccine is especially useful if you travel:

• often, or for a long time, in high-risk countries;
• by bike, by motorbike, or hiking in remote areas;
• with young children;
• to work with animals or to visit caves.

It involves at least 2 injections, at least 7 days apart, ideally one month apart. Have the first one no later than 8 days before you leave.

For a trip more than one year later, one booster injection before you leave is enough. Stay of more than one year: booster at 12 months. Weakened immune system: 3 injections.

For travel, this vaccine is not covered by basic health insurance.

• Do not feed animals and do not eat near them.
• Never touch a wild, sick or dead animal.
• In Asia, keep away from monkeys, with no food in sight.
• Watch children closely: they are often bitten and do not always say so.

A bat bite can go unnoticed. Any contact with a bat means you should see a doctor. This also applies if you wake up with a bat in your room, unless you are sure it could not have touched you, for example because you were sleeping under a well-closed mosquito net.

A bite, a scratch, or a lick on a wound or in the eye: this is an emergency, even if you are vaccinated.

1. Wash the wound straight away with soap and water, for 15 minutes, then disinfect it with an iodine-based product.
2. Go to a hospital or medical centre the same day. Do not wait until you are back in Switzerland.
3. Are you vaccinated? You need 2 doses of vaccine, 3 days apart.
4. Are you not vaccinated? You need 4 doses and immunoglobulins, no later than 7 days after the first dose.
5. No immunoglobulins available locally? Call your travel insurance (assistance service) and discuss a possible transfer with them.
6. Ask for a tetanus booster if your last one was more than 10 years ago.

Write down the name of the vaccine and the dates. Mention it if you have a weakened immune system or if a monkey bit you: another medicine may be needed.

In Switzerland, emergencies: 144. Abroad: the local emergency number.

Message us on WhatsApp with a photo of your vaccination documents: we will check the schedule you received. Do not wait for our reply before going to hospital.

• "The animal looked healthy." That is not enough: an animal can transmit rabies before it becomes sick.
• "Antibiotics are enough after a bite." False: they do not protect against rabies.

Treated during your trip? Come and see us as soon as you get back, with your documents. A blood test on day 21 of the treatment, for everyone, checks that the vaccine has worked: we do it at the practice.

Bitten or scratched without seeing a doctor? Come without delay, even weeks later: it is not too late.