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Animal Bites
Introduction
Encounters
with animals can cause problems for the traveller and any unnecessary contact
with them should be avoided.
Rabies
Rabies is present
worldwide - except in the United Kingdom, parts of Scandinavia, Japan,
Oceania, Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, Malta and some Caribbean islands.
It can be transmitted to humans in several ways, but most commonly via
the bite of an infected domestic dog. Rabies, if left untreated, will always
cause death.
PRECAUTIONS
TO TAKE:
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Do not stroke dogs
and cats and avoid contact with bats, jackals, foxes and other wild animals.
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In an area endemic
for rabies all unprovoked bites or licks should be considered a possible
exposure.
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In the event of
possible exposure to rabies immediate first aid should be instigated:-
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Thorough cleansing
of the wound with soap/detergent and running water for 5 minutes.
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Application of
an antiseptic (eg. iodine, chlorhexidine or alcohol).
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Seek medical assistance
as soon as possible.
It may be necessary
to commence rabies vaccination and anti-tetanus measures. If you
have been immunized against rabies prior to being bitten you may still
require further doses of vaccine. If travellers have never been immunized
against rabies and receive a suspect bite, vaccination should be initiated
within 24-48 hours.
source: Scottish NHS www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/General/ |
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