Travel tips

Rabies, previously also referred to as hydrophobia, is a serious disease caused by the rabies virus. This virus can be transmitted through a bite, scratch, or lick from an infected animal, such as dogs, cats, monkeys, and bats.

If you become infected, the virus enters your nervous system and gradually travels to the brain. Once this process begins, rabies is difficult to treat. It is a disease that can be extremely serious and fatal.

Before traveling to a country where there is a risk of rabies, it is important to seek advice from our travel nurses. Read more information about rabies, check our travel advice per destination or make an appointment with us.

Here are some tips:

Whether you are vaccinated or not, the following advice is always important: If you are scratched or bitten by an animal in a country where rabies is present, always consult a doctor for further examination. Do not wait; do this as soon as possible!

• Avoid contact with animals in areas where rabies occurs.

• Do not touch dead or sick animals, especially with bare hands.
• Do not pet or feed animals abroad.
• Pay close attention to ensure that (young) children do not touch animals.
• Consider vaccination against rabies if there is a clearly increased risk of infection. This depends on the countries you visit, the duration of your stay, and any special circumstances (work or other activities that increase the risk of contact with animals).