Rabies in India - Kerala

21 Jun 2023

Media in the state of Kerala have reported 2 deaths from rabies in recent days. 

The first case was a woman who died on 11 June 2023. She had been scratched by a dog some time previously.

The second case was a man who was bitten on the face by a cat on 22 May 2023. He developed symptoms of rabies and died on 14 June 2023.

Rabies is a fatal viral infection which affects the brain and nerves. The virus is spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually following a bite or scratch.

Advice to Travellers

Before you travel, you should:

• check if rabies is a risk at your destination
• consider having rabies vaccines before travel; see a travel health professional (at least 4-6 weeks before you travel) if you think you might need a rabies vaccine course or booster dose
• be aware what to do if you think you have been exposed to rabies virus
• determine if there will be any reliable medical facilities at your destination

If you are travelling to a country where rabies is considered a risk, you should:

• avoid contact with animals, especially dogs, cats and monkeys: be aware that some animals can be infected with rabies without being aggressive or behaving strangely
• be aware that children are more likely to approach animals. Check them for wounds, and encourage them to tell you if they are bitten, licked or scratched by an animal
• read the animal bites page for advice on how to prevent being bitten by bats and animals
• seek immediate medical attention if you might have been exposed to rabies

For further information, see the fitfortravel Rabies page.