Dear Dr. Alla,

Why is the rabies vaccination recommended for international travel destinations, but not required here in the United States?

Sincerely,

Dennis W.

Dear Dennis,

Rabies is an acute viral infection that affects the nervous system. Worldwide about 50,000 people die from rabies each year. However rabies infections are rare in the United States due to the mandated programs available here for vaccinating pets.

For more information on the rabies vaccine, it's symptoms, treatment and prevention, read "Rabies Transmitted from Animals to Humans" at www.travelclinicsofamerica.com/diseases/rabies/

The disease is usually caused by the bite of a rabid dog. When the dog bites a human, the saliva infected with the rabies-virus is transmitted into the body of the victim.

Besides the dog, rabies may also be transmitted following a bite from other types of mammals: bat, skunk, squirrel, monkey, horse, cow, buffalo, etc. 

The bad news is proper treatment in many of these developing countries may be difficult to obtain. For this reason it is important to meet with a Travel Clinics of America physician before you go on the trip to make sure that you are protected.

Travel Healthy, Travel Smart, Travel Clinics of America

Dr. Alla Kirsch, M.D.

NOTE: It is extremely important to seek medical help whenever you are bitten or your skin is punctured by an unfamiliar animal. That animal should be captured and tested for rabies. If that is not possible the physician will most likely have to assume that you are infected and start the rabies treatment.