Rabies is widespread throughout much of the world. Germany is one of the European countries where systematic control, especially oral immunization of foxes as the main virus carriers, has almost completely eradicated rabies in wild and domestic animals. In Eastern Europe and other parts of the world, however, rabies in wild and domestic animals still remains a problem.

Saliva transmission through bite or skin injury

Transmission occurs from the rabid animal via its saliva, usually through a bite, but is also possible via skin lesions or direct contact of infectious saliva with mucous membranes. Carriers of rabies viruses can be dogs, foxes, raccoons, skunks, jackals, mongooses, – but also bats. When rabies disease breaks out, it almost always leads to death.

For whom is rabies vaccination important?

  • Veterinarians, hunters, forestry personnel and all persons handling animals in areas with wildlife rabies.
  • Personnel in laboratories with rabies risk
  • Travelers to regions with a high risk of rabies (e.g., from stray dogs).
  • Vaccination, if necessary with administration of immunoglobulin (passive immunization), is also required after contact with virus-containing material (e.g. after bite injury). Ask your doctor or the health department about this immediately.

Common reactions to rabies vaccination

The currently recommended vaccine contains inactivated (killed) rabies virus and is well tolerated compared to previous vaccines.
Possible side effects: common (1-10%) redness, pain and swelling at the vaccination site, mild to moderate increase in temperature, flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal discomfort. Occasionally joint complaints (arthralgias and arthritides). Rare allergic reactions.

Rabies is only treatable for a short time after a bite

Rabies is a viral infection through bite or scratch wounds. At the entry site, the virus persists for up to three days to replicate. Then the virus spreads to other organs via the central nervous system. If it enters the bloodstream through a bite, for example, it can also spread more quickly. Only in the first few hours after wounding can postexposure rabies vaccination still be effective. Once the virus reaches the brain, vaccination is useless.

Rabies vaccination is most effective health protection

The rabies viruses cause brain inflammation, spinal cord inflammation, paralysis, delirium and other severe damage. After the first symptoms, death usually occurs within 10 days. The few survivors are left with severe brain damage. Rabies vaccination is the most effective way to prevent this infection. Note that this vaccination must be refreshed after 1-2 years, at least for the risk groups.