Rabies (rabies)

Rabies is a viral infection of the brain that ends fatally without timely treatment. In this leaflet, you will read
How to prevent rabies and what to do if you have been at risk of rabies.

You can get the rabies virus if an infected animal bites, scratches or licks you on skin that is not intact. The virus thus penetrates the
body and enters the nervous system after which the disease rabies develops. The virus is spread through
the saliva of infected mammals (especially dogs, cats and bats). Usually, rabies-infected
animals aggressive and restless, but some animals also have the virus without being visibly affected.

How do you prevent rabies?
- Avoid contact with all mammals in areas where rabies is present.
- Especially avoid contact with pets (dogs and cats) and monkeys.
- Don't feed animals abroad.
- Do not touch sick or dead animals.

Get immediate treatment in case of a bite, scratch or lick from a potentially infected animal.
Consider vaccination against rabies before your trip. You will receive two injections, one week apart.

What are the benefits of vaccination against rabies?
- If you have had a full series of rabies vaccinations, you will not need antiserum after a bite.
Antiserum is usually unavailable or of poor quality in developing countries. This antiserum should be provided as soon
as possible (preferably within 24 hours).
- You only need 2 injections after a bite, instead of 4.
be administered as soon as possible (preferably within 24 hours).
- No revaccinations are usually needed on subsequent trips.

For whom is rabies vaccination important?
Travellers to Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia or Latin America:
- Who have a lot of contact with mammals there.
- Who easily have unnoticed contact with animal saliva, such as children.
- Who stay there regularly (briefly).
- Who are more likely to come into contact with the rabies virus due to their activities, for example
cave explorers.

What should you do in case of a possible infection?
- Rinse the wound well with water for 15 minutes. Then disinfect it with alcohol 70% or (povidone)
Iodine (Betadine®).
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours, even if you have been previously vaccinated against rabies.
- Contact your health insurance or emergency centre for consultation on treatment.
- You should start the necessary treatment as soon as possible.
- You should get antibiotics and a tetanus vaccination if necessary. Upon arrival in the Netherlands, always contact
on with a practitioner: your GP, GGD, travel clinic or tropical centre, regardless of whether you already have treatment
had.

Download the leaflet below!