Urgent warning as spike in rabies exposure rises

Residents have been warned to be on alert due to an increase in the number of cases of potential rabies exposure.

A rabies warning has been issued for Australians heading overseas due to a spike in exposure numbers.

Queensland Health issued the alert on Thursday, warning that the number of cases of potential rabies exposure in returned travellers has increased to pre-pandemic levels.

There have been 116 Queenslanders potentially exposed to the deadly virus so far this year.

Rabies is a virus that can be transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, or by being exposed to infected animals’ saliva through the eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.

Travellers are being urged to seek advice from their doctor or a travel health clinic before heading overseas

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said urged travellers to seek advice from their doctor or a travel health clinic before heading overseas.

“For humans, rabies can be deadly - once symptoms develop, it’s almost always fatal,” Dr Gerrard said.

“The risk of rabies infection varies depending on the country you are visiting and what activities are planned while abroad.

“The rabies virus is currently found in land mammals, such as dogs or monkeys, in Asia, Africa, North and South America and parts of Europe.

“Thankfully a vaccine is readily available. This will offer you some protection against the virus.

“However it is critically important to immediately seek medical treatment if you are potentially exposed to rabies during your trip, for example if you are bitten or scratched by an animal.

“While the pre-exposure rabies vaccine can be effective in preventing infection, an additional course of post-exposure rabies vaccines may be required in these circumstances.”

How to reduce risk:

Get vaccinated, at least six weeks before departure. Your doctor may recommend other vaccinations as well, depending on the places you plan to visit.

Avoid contact with all wild and domestic animals, especially dogs, cats, bats and monkeys, and avoid being scratched, even if vaccinated.

Seek urgent medical advice if possible rabies exposure has occurred, even if vaccinated.