Travel safety
Stay protected from rabies while traveling abroad or in unfamiliar places
Learn the highest-risk destinations, pre-travel vaccination advice, and the actions to take if you are exposed to a potentially rabid animal.
Travelers Guide ✈️
Stay safe from rabies while exploring the world! Learn about risks abroad, pre-travel preparation, and what to do if you're exposed while traveling.
Rabies Risks Abroad 🌍
Rabies is present on every continent except Antarctica, but some areas have much higher risk, especially where street dogs are common. Knowing about rabies risk is part of smart travel.
Key Point: Since 1990, over 80 Americans caught rabies while traveling overseas, mostly from dog bites in countries where rabies is widespread. With proper precautions, you can focus on enjoying your trip while staying safe from rabies.
Regions with Substantial Rabies Burden 🗺️
Review official travel guidance and discuss pre-exposure vaccination with a healthcare professional before visiting these regions
Africa
Reported burden variesCountries: Most countries, especially rural areas
Asia
Reported burden variesCountries: India, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand
Latin America
Substantial reported burdenCountries: Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Guatemala
Eastern Europe
Reported burden variesCountries: Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria
Pre-Travel Preparation 🎒
What to do before your trip to stay safe from rabies
Visit a travel clinic or talk to your doctor
Discuss rabies risk based on your itinerary and activities
Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccine
Recommended for rural areas or if working with animals abroad
Research medical facilities at your destination
Find out how to get medical help - PEP might not be readily available
Pack a travel first-aid kit with soap
You'll want to wash wounds immediately if bitten
Get travel insurance
Ensure it covers emergency medical care and evacuation
Save emergency contacts
US embassy, local emergency numbers, travel insurance hotline
Safety Tips During Travel 🛡️
How to avoid rabies while exploring your destination
Avoid contact with local animals
Do not pet dogs or cats on the street, no matter how cute
Keep distance from monkeys and bats
These animals might carry rabies and can be unpredictable
Watch children closely
Kids may not realize the risks with stray animals
Don't feed wild animals
Feeding can make them aggressive and more likely to approach people
Stay alert in rural areas
Rabies risk is often higher in countryside and remote locations
Be cautious around animal markets
These areas may have higher concentrations of potentially infected animals
What to Do if Bitten Abroad 🚨
Emergency steps to take if you're exposed to rabies while traveling
Wash and flush the wound immediately
Use soap and running water for about 15 minutes when possible, then seek prompt medical or public-health guidance
Seek medical care immediately
Don't wait - rabies prevention is an emergency that requires prompt treatment
Travel to a larger city if needed
Small clinics may not have rabies treatment - go to a major hospital
Contact US embassy or consulate
They can help you find appropriate medical care and communicate with local doctors
Contact your travel insurance
They can help coordinate care and may cover evacuation if needed
Resources for Travelers 📚
Authoritative sources to help you stay informed and safe
Official Resources
- • CDC's Rabies Status by Country - Review rabies status at your destination
- • CDC Travel Clinic Directory - Find travel medicine specialists
- • WHO Rabies Fact Sheet - Global rabies information
- • US State Department - Country-specific health information
Emergency Contacts
- • US Embassy/Consulate - Can help find medical care
- • Travel Insurance Hotline - 24/7 emergency assistance
- • Local Emergency Services - Save local emergency numbers
- • CDC Travel Health Line - 1-800-CDC-INFO
Travel Smart, Stay Safe! 🌍
With proper preparation and precautions, you can explore the world safely.