Читать книгу (101 things to know when you go) ON SAFARI IN AFRICA - Patrick Brakspear - Страница 55

Rabies is a serious viral disease affecting animals and humans, prevalent in most countries throughout the world. The rabies virus is transmitted to humans through the saliva of an infected mammal. The most common animals involved are dogs or other canines and bats, but any mammal including cats, monkeys, bats are capable of transmitting the virus. Although an animal bite is the usual way in which the virus gets into the body, because the virus is present in saliva even a scratch which breaks the skin is dangerous. The general rule is that in a country where rabies is present any bite or scratch from any mammal which breaks the skin, however small, needs immediate medical attention.

Modern vaccines are safe, effective and relatively pain-free with little in the way of side-effects. Three injections over a period of four weeks are required. Because the vaccination course is expensive and the risk of infection is very small for most tourists, immunisation is frequently declined. In such a case, should there be an animal bite, the injury must be thoroughly cleansed (with antiseptic if available) and medical attention sought as soon as possible- preferably within 24 hours. The course of treatment then involves the use of anti-rabies immunoglobulin to provide some degree of protection through passive immunity while full immunity is induced by a series of 5 injections.

Discuss this with your doctor, but it is highly unlikely that you will come into direct contact with any animals whilst on safari and so the risk of contracting rabies is extremely low.

WARNING: DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO FEED ANY ANIMAL ON SAFARI – EVER!