Patient discussions
Travellers to rabies-enzootic countries should be advised to:
Avoid contact with animals, especially dogs or bats
Avoid entering caves where bats may be found
Thoroughly wash animal bite or scratch wounds with lots of soap and water and apply an antiseptic (e.g., povidone-iodine)
Seek medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched by an animal that may have rabies (particularly in countries where rabies is enzootic).
Children should also be educated about the risks.
Pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended in some travellers.
The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide useful information resources for patients:
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