Rabies is found on all continents except Antarctica. In certain areas of the world, canine rabies remains highly endemic, including (but not limited to) parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The disease is also found in dogs in most of the other countries of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, except as noted in the table below, which lists countries that have reported no cases of rabies during the most recent 2-year period for which information is available (formerly referred to as “rabies-free countries”).
Latest information can be obtained from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your local health authority, or embassy/consulate offices when you are abroad.
Countries and political units reporting no cases of rabies during 1999* |
|
Region |
Countries |
Africa |
Cape Verde, Libya, Mauritius, Réunion, São Tome and Principe, and Seychelles |
Americas |
North: Bermuda, St. Pierre and Miquelon |
Asia |
Armenia, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and Singapore |
Europe |
Albania, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Malta, Norway (mainland), Portugal, Spain* (except Ceuta/Melilla), Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom |
Oceania † |
Australia,* Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Kiribati, Micronesia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Vanuatu |
* Bat rabies exists in some areas that are free of terrestrial rabies. |
|
Travellers to rabies-endemic countries should be warned about the risk of acquiring rabies, although rabies vaccination is not a requirement for entry into any country.
RiskTravellers with extensive unprotected outdoor, evening, and night time exposure in rural areas, such as might be experienced while bicycling, camping, or engaging in certain occupational activities, might be at high risk even if their trip is brief.
Animals in general tend to avoid human beings, but they can attack, particularly if they are protecting their young or territory. Travellers should be reminded that, in areas of endemic rabies, domestic dogs, cats, or other mammals should never be petted, handled, or fed. Wild animals should be avoided; most injuries from wild animals are the direct result of attempting to pet, handle, or feed the animals.
Travellers should be advised that any animal bite or scratch should receive prompt local treatment by thorough cleansing of the wound with copious amounts of soap and water and a povidone-iodine solution if available; this local treatment will significantly reduce the risk of rabies.
Travellers who might have been exposed to rabies should be advised to always contact local health authorities immediately for advice about post exposure prophylaxis and should also contact their personal physician as soon as possible thereafter.
(Source: Health information for International Travel: CDC Yellow Book, 2003-2004)
