rabies query

The last UK traveller to die of rabies was bitten while on honeymoon in Goa. She might have lived if she sought out pre or post exposure treatment

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1704605,00.html

I would recommend that travellers seriously consider rabies pre-exposure vaccine if spending 1mth or more in Asia. Vaccinated or not, you need to give them written advice regarding what to do if bitten. Stressing irrigating [not scrubbing the wound] with alchol and seeking medical attention ASAP, Avoiding having wounds sutured and if possible seeking out a source of RIG. RIG is occasionally available in India, more often it will be Equine immunoglobulin and some very iffy alternatives may also be offered. When I last checked Agra was poorly served but Dehli was OK. Post exposure rabipur is widely available and RIG would not necesarily be required if pre-exposure course has been received.

Rabies Vaccine in India
I expect you already read this on Travax:
'The modern diploid cell vaccines and cell-embryo vaccines are now widely available in major cities in India and tourist resorts like Goa but the cheaper 'improved' goat/sheep brain vaccine is still the vaccine most widely use for the local populations. However it may take a little while, through the traffic, etc, to find a hospital or pharmacy that has them in stock. Rabies specific immunoglobulin is another matter and is not easy to find. '

The following guy Santanu is a lovely specialist who I have consulted with by email and met at conferences and has lectured on rabies Globally. Although based in Kolkata he knows everything about medical faccilities throughout India. He would be worth emailing with your itinerary and seeking his oppinion. You can then share your information with the patient and he/she can make an informed decision.

Chatterjee, Santanu
Wellesley Medicentre
Wellesley Mansions - First Floor
44A, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road (off Park St.)
700016-Calcutta
India
Telephone: [+91] (33) 4553578; Fax: [+91] (33) 2491217
E-mail: sanchat@vsnl.com
Languages: Principal - English; Other - Bengali, Hindi
Pre-Travel Vaccination, Post-Travel Medical Consultation, On-Site Diagnostic Laboratory

Have you got time to get three doses in on 0,7,21-28?



karen rudd


Visit website

Report bad link