Practical advice for avoiding rabies and getting prompt care after exposure

Resource-efficient schedule: 0.1 mL ID at 2 sites on Days 0, 3, 7 (Category II/III exposures). A clinician or public-health authority determines whether RIG is indicated and how its timing applies.

World Health Organization

Seek prompt professional assessment after a possible exposure, including from a vaccinated pet. Public health may use supervised observation of an eligible dog, cat, or ferret or laboratory testing to guide PEP. Do not wait for results before seeking advice or change PEP on your own. In areas where dog rabies is common, observation must not delay indicated PEP.

CDC

CDC

• Vaccinate dogs/cats starting at ~12 weeks, then boosters per product/local law.
• Sustained ≥70% dog vaccination coverage is the key threshold for breaking transmission in communities.
• Spay/neuter programs reduce roaming and aggression, decreasing bite incidents.
• Animal control programs should include vaccination clinics and public education.
• Community education increases responsible pet ownership and timely veterinary care.

WHO Apps

Pre-Travel Preparation

• Research rabies risk at your destination using CDC travel health notices.
• Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis if traveling to high-risk areas for extended periods.
• Consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before departure.
• Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.
• Purchase travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and rabies treatment.

During Travel Precautions

• Avoid contact with all mammals, including pets and wildlife, in rabies-endemic areas.
• Do not feed or handle stray animals, no matter how friendly they appear.
• Supervise children closely—they are more likely to approach animals and less likely to report bites.
• Avoid caves where bats may roost, especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
• Use bed nets in basic accommodations to prevent bat bites while sleeping.

High-Risk Destinations

Over 95% of human rabies deaths occur in Asia and Africa. Highest risk countries include:

• India (accounts for ~36% of global rabies deaths)
• Pakistan and Bangladesh
• Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries
• Most African countries, particularly in rural areas
• Some parts of Latin America and the Caribbean

CDC Travel Health

High-Risk Professions

• Veterinarians, animal technicians, and wildlife biologists
• Animal control officers and shelter workers
• Laboratory workers handling rabies virus or specimens
• Spelunkers (cave explorers) and bat researchers
• Forest rangers, wildlife officers, and trappers
• Postal workers and delivery personnel in rural areas

Occupational Prevention Strategies

• Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for all high-risk professions.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling animals.
• Implement engineering controls like animal restraint devices and barriers.
• Report all animal bites or exposures immediately to supervisors.
• Maintain vaccination records and ensure timely booster doses.
• Participate in regular rabies prevention training and drills.

See our personal & family safety practices guide for at-home and outdoor precautions, and our emergency response steps for what to do if an exposure happens despite precautions.

Employer Responsibilities

• Provide pre-exposure vaccination at no cost to employees.
• Develop and implement exposure control plans.
• Ensure access to post-exposure prophylaxis through occupational health.
• Maintain supplies of PPE and proper waste disposal systems.
• Encourage reporting without fear of reprisal.

OSHA/NIOSH Guidelines