Travel MD: Rabies still a danger

By JOAN INGRAM

We have seen an increased number of travellers who have been bitten by animals while overseas and possibly exposed to rabies, a viral disease that affects the brain and central nervous system.

Although rabies was first described in writings as early as 2300 BC, it was not until 1885 that Louis Pasteur produced an effective vaccine from the brain of a rabid cow.

Humans catch rabies when they are bitten, licked or scratched by an infected pet or by a wild animal.

Infected animals can often behave unpredictably; a normally friendly pet may become aggressive, or an usually timid wild animal may become tame.

Dogs, bats and fox-like animals are extremely susceptible to the disease, and it reportedly occurs in monkeys and some rodents. However, the range of infected animals in Third World countries is so wide (including livestock and rodents) that rabies should be suspected after any animal bite.

Countries most at risk from rabies include Mexico, Central and South American countries, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

Early symptoms are a flu-like illness, followed by pain, tingling at the infection site, skin sensitivity, anxiety and depression.