What is Rabies?
Rabies is a zoonotic illness caused by the rabies virus, a member of the lyssavirus family, which resides in both wild and domestic animals and is transmitted to humans via bites or scratches. Once the virus reaches the central nervous system, it can be deadly. Rabies is present in over 150 countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Although Australia is free of classical rabies, its bats may carry the closely related Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV). In Australia, rabies is a notifiable condition, meaning any confirmed case must be reported to health authorities.
Can rabies be prevented?
The most reliable protection is vaccination. If you plan to travel abroad, consult your doctor 6–12 weeks prior to departure. The usual pre-exposure schedule consists of three doses spread over one month. Additionally, avoid contact with unfamiliar animals in rabies-endemic areas, steer clear of strays overseas, and do not handle bats in Australia.
How is rabies transmitted?
Rabies spreads through the saliva of infected animals, entering the body via bites, scratches, or when saliva contacts broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth). Dogs are responsible for up to 99% of human cases. Other carriers include cats, bats, monkeys, raccoons, foxes, and wolves.
Who is at risk of rabies?
Symptoms of rabies
People who handle or come into close contact with animals in regions where rabies is endemic face the greatest danger. The World Health Organization maintains a list of countries with ongoing transmission. Those in contact with bats are at particular risk of ABLV infection.
The incubation period typically ranges from one to three months but can vary from days to several years. Early signs may include:
- General malaise
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Limb weakness
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain, tingling, or numbness at the entry site
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Hydrophobia (fear of water, air currents, or bright lights)
Without treatment, these progress within one to two weeks to:
- Paralysis
- Delirium
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is invariably fatal.
Diagnosing & treating rabies
Diagnosis: Confirming rabies before death is challenging and may require post-mortem testing. Laboratory assays detect the virus in skin biopsies, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and neural tissues. Treatment: No effective therapy exists once symptoms develop.
Advice for travellers
If you receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) abroad, obtain a certificate, ideally in English, stating:
- Clinic contact details
- Type of rabies immunoglobulin used (e.g. equine RIG vs. HRIG)
- Vaccine batch numbers
- RIG dose and route of administration
- Vaccine type and vial count
- Dates of treatment
Present these details to your Australian doctor upon return for follow-up assessment.
When to see a doctor?
Seek medical attention immediately after any bite or scratch from an animal suspected of carrying rabies, even if you have been vaccinated.