Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Rabies is a highly fatal disease that affects the central nervous system.
  • Rabies is caused by infection with the rabies virus.
  • Rabies does not occur in Australia but is found in many parts of the world including Asia, Africa, North, Central and South America and Europe.
  • Rabies is spread to people from infected animals, particularly dogs.
  • People should avoid contact with wild and domestic animals when travelling to countries where rabies is found. Vaccination may be recommended for people with an increased risk of coming into contact with animals.
  • If exposed to a potentially infected animal, wash the wound and seek medical care urgently. Treatment with rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin may be recommended.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 12-05-2023