For centuries, rabies has struck fear into the hearts of many…and for good reason.Once the infection has spread to the spinal cord and brain, there is no treatment and death is nearly 100% certain. Thousands of people around the world die each year due to rabies infection. Show What causes rabies?Rabies is caused by a group of viruses called Lyssavirus. How does the rabies virus cause the disease?The virus enters human tissue (for instance, the soft tissue of someone’s hand after a bite) and replicates (makes copies of itself). It then invades nearby nerves and makes its way to the spinal cord and the brain (central nervous system). This process can take weeks, months, or even years! Once in the central nervous system, rabies can cause many neurologic symptoms and clinical signs, including confusion, paralysis and seizures. Death usually occurs within 1-2 weeks of initial symptoms. How does a human get rabies?A human can become infected during several different types of exposures to an animal with rabies:
Since it is often not a simple task to determine if an exposure carries risk of rabies, ALWAYS seek medical attention after any unexpected contact with an animal. NEVER assume there is zero risk without professional medical input. Exposure can occur even if contact with an animal is not obvious. For example, a bat discovered inside a home constitutes risk even if there is no evidence of direct contact with the bat! Which animals carry rabies?In developing countries, dogs account for most rabies cases. In the US, bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks are the most common animal sources of human rabies cases. Smaller rodents rarely cause rabies in humans. (One hypothesis is that small rodents bitten by larger rabid animals rarely survive the initial attack so cannot transmit the disease to humans.) Where in the world is rabies a risk?As noted above, rabies can be found in most parts of the world. Several countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America have higher risk of animals carrying the disease. The CDC regularly updates their country-specific rabies recommendations. How do you prevent rabies?Animal precautions:
Vaccinations before exposure (pre-exposure prophylaxis):
Vaccinations AND Immunoglobulin after exposure (Post-exposure prophylaxis):
Why get rabies vaccinations before possible exposure?Why not rely on finding the vaccines and immunoglobulin after I am bitten (or otherwise exposed to rabies)? Rabies vaccines are usually available throughout the world. Unfortunately, rabies immunoglobulin is not always available. Vaccination without immunoglobulin is NOT as effective for rabies prevention and immunoglobulin cannot be given more than a week after the vaccination series (it will then interfere with the vaccinations). Deaths have occurred in people exposed to rabies who only received shots and not immunoglobulin. This is why proper evaluation of your rabies risk BEFORE exposure is important! How long do rabies shots last?Two shots one week apart likely protect against rabies for at least three years. Receiving a third vaccination at least three weeks after the first likely provides lifelong immunity. What if I am a veterinarian, vet student, or will have ongoing exposure to animals?The CDC recommends a TITER (blood test to examine the level of antibodies you have against rabies) every two years to confirm that your immunity is adequate. Travelers generally do not need to check rabies titers routinely. Many excellent rabies information resources are available: The NYS Department of Health publishes detailed rabies guidelines for clinicians (and anyone else interested). To download, click: For a rabies vaccine in New York, contact Travel Medicine Consultations, where you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Julian Klapowitz to discuss your vaccine needs for travel health. How long is a rabies vaccine good for in humans?Depending on your level of risk, you may be advised to have one or more blood tests or receive a booster dose within 3 years after the first 2 doses.
How long does rabies vaccine provide immunity?While 3-year rabies vaccines are recognized in all 50 States, annual or biannual revaccination for rabies is still required by some State municipalities, even though essentially all United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) licensed rabies vaccines have a minimum 3-year duration (3).
How effective is rabies vaccine post exposure?The rabies vaccine works remarkably well. Studies indicate that if the vaccine is given immediately and appropriately to someone who was bitten by a rabid animal, it is 100 percent effective.
Does rabies vaccine last longer than 3 years?Immunity from the Rabies vaccine is much longer than 3 years. Multiple studies have shown that the initial shot and one booster will cover a dog at minimum 5-7 years and some say for life. The only reason for yearly vaccinations after the first 5 years of shots and boosters is the same for pets and for human.
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