Protect Yourself Against Rabies (CDC.com):
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system and if a person does not receive the medical care after a rabies exposure, the virus causes disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death.
Rabies is mostly found in wild animals like…
- Foxes
- Bats
- Skunks
- Racoons
Symptoms:
The first symptoms of rabies may be very similar to those of the flu including…
general weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache
- discomfort, prickling or itching sensation at the site of the bite
- progressing within days to acute symptoms…
- cerebral dysfunction
- anxiety
- confusion
- agitation
- As the disease progresses, the infected-person may experience
- delirium
- abnormal behavior
- hallucinations
- hydrophobia (fear of water)
- insomnia
Rabies Risk Map
When Should I Get a Rabies Vaccine?
A rabies vaccine is usually recommended based on a traveler’s itinerary. If you plan on staying in a country with an elevated risk of rabies for more than two weeks, vaccination is recommended.
It is believed up to 60,000 people die every year from rabies worldwide. You should receive your first pre-exposure rabies vaccine at least 28 days before your trip.
Two booster doses are required within 28 days of the first dose. Get fully protected against this disease and schedule an appointment with us today!