NI Holidaymakers Warned About Rabies

Holidaymakers are being warned about the risk of rabies.

The Public Health Agency said international travel can bring an increased health risk and warned people to check medical advice for countries they were visiting in advance, in case they needed to get immunisations.

Rabies is an acute viral infection, potentially fatal, which causes swelling of the brain and symptoms usually start between two and eight weeks after being bitten or scratched.

Symptoms of rabies include malaise (feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness), headache and fever, acute pain, violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, depression, and hydrophobia (panic when presented with liquids to drink and an unquenchable thirst).

Michael Devine of the PHA, said: "Rabies is spread through animal saliva, usually a bite, but it can also be spread through a scratch or by an animal licking a cut or wound, or saliva getting into the eyes, mouth or nose. It cannot be transmitted through intact skin. It is commonly spread by dogs, but can be spread by other mammals, including cats and monkeys. You cannot tell if an animal has the disease as they may appear well. It is always best to play it safe and avoid animals, especially strays."

Dr Devine said the disease was present in some eastern European countries as well as further afield.

If you are bitten by an animal while abroad seek medical attention immediately, even if you have been previously immunised, as treatment may be given to reduce risk of developing the disease.

(NE)