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CDC Warns of Rabies Risk in India and Haiti After Cases
4 Dec
Summary
- CDC issued health warnings for India and Haiti due to rabies cases.
- Travelers to these countries are advised to avoid contact with animals.
- Rabies is preventable with prompt medical care after exposure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued health advisories for travelers heading to India and Haiti due to recent rabies cases. A U.S. traveler returning from India was diagnosed with the disease, with concerns also raised about counterfeit vaccines in major Indian cities. Separately, increased rabies cases in animals and humans have been reported in Haiti, leading to a similar health notice for that nation.
The viral illness targets the central nervous system of mammals and is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals like dogs, cats, and foxes. The CDC stresses that while rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms manifest, it is entirely preventable if immediate medical attention is sought following potential exposure.
Authorities recommend that visitors to both India and Haiti avoid all contact with stray dogs, cats, and wild mammals. For those planning to work with animals or who anticipate possible contact, pre-departure vaccination is advised. Both countries currently maintain a Level 1 travel designation, urging travelers to practice usual precautions.
