Seven new rabies risk locations have been announced in Sarawak taking the total to 41. Two in Miri are hundreds of kilometres from previously identified areas (including the site of the most recent human rabies case in Sri Aman), while the remaining five are in Sibu, Bintangor and Kapit. A committee set up to manage disasters has instructed dog owners to get their animals vaccinated against rabies and report potential exposures promptly. 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.