Rabies risk factors

Typically, the route of transmission for rabies is from the bite of an infected animal. People that live in an area, or travel to an area that has a large incidence for rabies, are at a high risk for acquiring rabies from a rabid animal. Handling certain wild animals such as bats or raccoons will put a person at a higher risk.

Risks for travelers:

Rabies vaccination is not a requirement for entry into any country. However, travelers to rabies-endemic countries should be warned about the risk of acquiring rabies and educated in animal bite prevention strategies (12-16). Travelers with extensive unprotected outdoor exposure such as might be experienced while bicycling, camping, hiking, or engaging in certain occupational activities, might be at higher risk even if their trip is brief. Also, children are considered at higher risk because of their tendencies to play with animals and to not report bites. Casual exposure to cave air is not a concern, but cavers should be warned not to handle bats (3).