Exposure to potentially rabid animals is common, especially during travel. Rabies can be prevented through pre-exposure vaccination!
Due to the global shortage of rabies immunoglobulins — crucial for unvaccinated individuals after potential rabies exposure — the Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine advises a more generous approach to recommending rabies vaccination before travel. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination for travel should be considered a once-in-a-lifetime investment!
In general: avoid contact with animals and do not feed them.
Behavior after exposure: After an animal bite/scratch: immediately wash the wound with water and soap for 15 minutes, then disinfect and in any case visit a high-quality medical center for post-exposure vaccination as soon as possible!
