Bitten or Scratched by an Animal Abroad? Rabies Risk and What to Do Next
If an animal bites or scratches you while travelling, act quickly. Wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical advice without delay. Rabies is rare but serious, and prompt care matters more than the size of the wound.
What should I do if an animal bites or scratches me abroad?
Wash the wound with soap and running water for several minutes straight away. Apply an antiseptic if one is available, then cover the wound. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, rather than waiting until you return to the UK.
Do this even for a minor scratch or a lick on broken skin. Dogs, cats, bats and monkeys can all carry rabies in many countries. Local medical staff can assess your risk and start treatment if needed. On return to the UK, contact your GP, NHS 111 or a travel clinic for follow up advice.
What is rabies and why is it so serious?
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system. It spreads through the saliva of an infected mammal, usually via a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal, according to the NHS and UK Health Security Agency.
This is why prevention and prompt treatment after exposure matter so much. There is no cure once symptoms begin, but post exposure treatment can prevent the disease when it is given correctly and promptly after exposure.
What is rabies post-exposure treatment?
Rabies post exposure treatment involves a course of vaccine doses, sometimes alongside rabies immunoglobulin. The treatment helps your immune system fight the virus before it can reach the nervous system.
The exact course depends on whether you had the rabies vaccine before travel and how the exposure happened. A healthcare professional will assess the type of exposure, the animal involved and your previous vaccination history before deciding what treatment you need.
If you are exposed while abroad, seek medical care locally as soon as possible rather than waiting until you return to the UK. You may then need further assessment or treatment when you return.
Do I need the rabies vaccine before I travel?
Pre travel rabies vaccination can reduce the treatment you need if you are later exposed and can mean that rabies immunoglobulin is not needed.
It is worth considering if you are travelling to regions where rabies is present, particularly if you are staying for a longer period, spending time in rural areas, travelling by bike or taking part in activities that could bring you into contact with animals. A travel health consultation can assess your individual risk based on your itinerary.
Where can I get rabies vaccine advice in Wembley and Stonebridge?
Our pharmacist led Travel Clinic offers rabies vaccine advice, whether you are preparing for a trip or need guidance after returning home. We assess your travel plans, discuss your risk and explain what pre-travel vaccination or post-exposure treatment involves. Browse our rabies vaccine page for more detail, visit our Travel Clinic page, or book an appointment at our Wembley or Stonebridge branch today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Can I get rabies from a scratch, not just a bite?
Yes. Rabies can spread through a scratch or a lick on broken skin, not only through a bite. Wash any wound thoroughly and seek medical advice promptly, regardless of how minor it seems.
How soon after exposure do I need treatment?
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after any bite, scratch or lick from a mammal abroad. Post-exposure treatment works best when started quickly, ideally within hours or days, rather than weeks.
Does the pre-travel rabies vaccine mean I will not need further treatment if bitten?
Not necessarily. You may still need further vaccine doses after exposure, but a prior course usually means you will not need immunoglobulin. A clinician will assess your specific situation.
Is the rabies vaccine suitable for everyone?
Most people can have the rabies vaccine, but a consultation checks for allergies, current health and travel plans. Your pharmacist will confirm whether it is appropriate for you.