Introduction

  • Rabies is a viral infection that can affect your brain and central nervous system.  

  • It is caused by coming into contact with the saliva of an infected (“rabid”)animal.Most rabies cases are from the bite of an infected dog.  

  • Australia is one of the few countries in the world that does not have rabies.  

  • There is evidence of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) in fruit foxes, which causes similar symptoms to rabies. 

  • Rabies occurs worldwide, except in Antarctica, so it is important to stay away from animals when travelling to places where rabies occur. 

Symptoms

  • Early symptoms include a sense of apprehension, headache, and malaise, along with fever andpain at the site of infection. 

  • Illness can rapidly progress to paralysis, delirium, convulsion, and death within a week or two. 

Spread

  • It is spread from infected animals to people through bites or scratches from their saliva, or exposure to their saliva through a person’seyes, nose, or mouth.   

  • Overseas, dogs are the main carrier of rabies, but it can also be spreadfrom bats, monkeys, foxes, cats, racoons, skunks, jackals, mongooses, and other mammals 

  • It cannot be spread from person to person 

What to do if:

I am travelling to places where rabies regularly occurs (endemic): 

  • See your doctor or visit a travel clinic 6 to 12 weeks before travelling to a country that has rabies. 

  • Vaccination can stop you from getting rabies – it is your best protection against rabies. 

  • People traveling to countries where rabies exists may be advised to get vaccinated if they're likely to be around wild or domestic animals. 

  • Avoid close contact with wild or domestic animals (especially dogs, cats, and monkeys). 

 
I have been in contact with wild or domestic mammals in countries where rabies occurs: 

  • Immediately wash the wound with soap and a lot of water for at least 15 minutes 

  • Apply an antiseptic like iodine or alcohol (containing ethanol) to the wound 

  • Do NOT close or tightly cover the wound with dressings or bandages 

  • Seek medical attentionimmediately – even if you have previously received a rabies vaccine, as you may need post-exposure vaccination (prophylaxis) 

  • Ask the doctor for a post-exposure prophylaxis certificate, including details on their contact information and type of treatment. Upon your return to Australia, take this certificate to your doctor to complete treatment if required.  

For healthcare providers

Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for guidance with assessment, pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment. 
Overseas return traveller 

  • If a change in vaccine brand or manufacturer is unavoidable during a PEP or PrEP course, the series of vaccinations should continue as scheduled without restarting. 

  • For example, changes in PEP or PrEP regimens may occur when a patient starts vaccination at one location (e.g., a bite centre) and completes it at a different clinic closer to home. 

Contact the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit (LMPHU) for help arranging and ordering post-exposure prophylaxis within our region. Our 24-hour phone number to call is 1800 959 400. 

Resources