Three human rabies deaths were recorded last year in the province of Bình Thuận, east of Ho Chih Minh City. The most recent fatality occurred in December: a woman from Ham Thuan Nam who sustained a dog bite that was cleaned, but no rabies post-exposure treatment administered. To Sept last year, government data show three provinces experienced marked increases in human rabies deaths in 2022 compared to 2021 – in the south, Ben Tre (12 deaths, up from six in 2021) and Kien Giang (five, up from one), and Gia Lai in the Central Highlands (four deaths, none in 2021). Elsewhere, ProMED has summarised human and animal rabies-related reports from South Sudan, India, Syria, Romania and Russia. Read more
Advice for travellers
Rabies is present in most countries and all travellers should be aware of the importance of avoiding contact with wild and domestic animals – especially dogs, the main source of infection. If bitten, urgent post-exposure treatment is required. Vaccination recommendations are itinerary-specific but include those travellers planning to live in, or travel extensively or repeatedly through, endemic countries. Read more on rabies.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.