RabiesRisks.com Education, first aid, and travel preparation

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Rabies is preventable — but once symptoms begin, it is almost always fatal.

Rabies risk: what to do after a bite, scratch, or saliva exposure

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through saliva from infected mammals. The decisive factor is timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and meticulous wound care.

Wash for 15 minutes Start vaccine ASAP Category III may need immunoglobulin Travel hotspots: Bali, Thailand, India
If you are unsure: treat the exposure as urgent. Rabies PEP is time-sensitive and highly effective when started promptly.

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Common exposure scenarios

  • Dog bite (most global human cases are dog-mediated)
  • Cat bite or scratch (often underestimated)
  • Monkey bite (tourist areas)
  • Bat contact (even without a clear bite in some circumstances)
Aggressive dog illustrating rabies bite risk
Aggressive dog (image provided) — use as a visual cue for bite risk.
Bat held for examination (bats can transmit rabies or rabies-like viruses in some regions)
Bat contact can be high-risk, especially if a bite cannot be excluded.

Why rabies is unique

Rabies can have a long and variable incubation period. The virus can travel via peripheral nerves toward the brain before symptoms appear.

How rabies spreads →

Symptoms & outcomes

Once clinical rabies begins, outcomes are devastating, and mortality is close to 100% despite intensive care.

Symptoms and late stages →

Travel and prevention

Pre-vaccination can simplify care after an exposure and is considered for higher-risk travel, long stays, or remote itineraries.

Should you pre-vaccinate? →