Sarawak’s fourth human rabies death in 2021 has been announced, a man from Stapang, NE of Sibu, who succumbed to the infection last month following dog bites sustained in February and March. He had not sought treatment at the time and didn’t receive any post-exposure care. In other news on rabies, authorities in the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa report that rabies vaccines are in short supply even as the incidence of dog bites soars. It is estimated that Pakistan’s human rabies toll is between 2,000 and 5,000 deaths each year. 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, including bats. If bitten or scratched, urgent post-exposure treatment is required. Vaccination is generally recommended for longer stays, especially travellers planning to live in, or travel extensively through, rural areas and also for children; however the final recommendation is itinerary-specific. 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.