By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their travel notice for Haiti due to rabies. Federal health officials say annual dog vaccination campaigns have been interrupted in Haiti and health officials have reported an increase of rabies in dogs.

Image/CDC

According to the CDC Yellow Book:

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Haiti. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Haiti, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available.

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

World Rabies Day 2021- Livestream event

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

  • Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
  • Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
  • Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Haiti.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) in mammals. It is mainly spread through bites and scratches from infected animals such as dogs, cats, bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

Seek emergency medical care immediately after any possible rabies exposure. Once symptoms of rabies develop, no treatment is available, and it is nearly always fatal.