When planning an exciting trip abroad, protection against infectious diseases is often overlooked. At Vivo Pharmacy, we believe that staying safe while travelling should be as important as booking your flight or packing your suitcase. Rabies is a serious viral infection that can be fatal if left untreated, yet it is entirely preventable with the right precautions, including a rabies jab. In this guide, we explore the destinations and activities where a rabies vaccination is highly recommended, and highlight the animals most commonly responsible for transmission.

Why You Might Need a Rabies Jab

Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite or scratch. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making prevention absolutely essential. The rabies jab can provide crucial protection, especially if you are travelling to a country where access to immediate medical care might be limited.

Certain destinations, activities, and interactions with animals increase your risk. Knowing where and why to protect yourself is the first step to a safe and healthy journey.

Destinations Where Rabies Risk is High

India

India reports the highest number of rabies cases globally. Street dogs are the primary source of infection, and encounters are common in busy cities, rural villages, and even tourist hotspots like Goa, Delhi, and Jaipur. Travellers planning extended stays, humanitarian work, or adventure travel in India are strongly advised to get the rabies jab beforehand.

Thailand

Thailand’s beautiful beaches and bustling markets attract millions of visitors each year. However, street dogs and monkeys, particularly in areas such as Lopburi (famous for its monkey population), pose a real rabies risk. Tourists interacting with animals at temples or wildlife parks are at heightened risk and should seek vaccination.

Vietnam

From the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the remote countryside, Vietnam presents significant rabies exposure risks, particularly through dogs and cats. Adventure travellers venturing off the beaten path, and those planning to stay for an extended period, should consider the rabies jab.

Indonesia (Including Bali)

Bali is a dream destination, but it is also an area where rabies remains a concern. Dog bites are the primary transmission route. Given the island’s popularity among backpackers, surfers, and adventure tourists, pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended.

Africa

Rabies is widespread across many African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Adventure activities such as safaris, volunteering with wildlife, or travelling to remote villages can increase your exposure risk. As access to emergency medical care may be limited in some regions, receiving a rabies jab before travel is advised.

Central and South America

Countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and Guatemala pose a rabies risk, especially in rural and jungle areas. Bats, particularly in the Amazon Basin, are a known source of infection. Travellers engaging in eco-tourism, jungle treks, or visiting remote communities should prioritise getting vaccinated.

Activities That Put You at Greater Risk

While location is important, certain activities significantly increase your chance of encountering an infected animal. These include:

Working with animals – veterinary work, volunteering at animal shelters, or wildlife conservation.

Adventure travel – hiking, camping, cycling, or caving in remote areas.

Long-term stays – living in rural or semi-urban areas where rabies control may be poor.

Interacting with wildlife – visiting temples, parks, or attractions where close contact with animals is encouraged.

Even a playful scratch from a monkey or dog can be enough to transmit the virus, which is why prevention is key.

Animals That Can Pass on Rabies

Rabies is not just spread by dogs. Other animals known to carry the virus include:

Monkeys – common in tourist areas across Asia.

Bats – a risk in caves and forests, particularly in Central and South America and Africa.

Cats – especially strays in areas with poor veterinary services.

Foxes, raccoons, and skunks – more relevant in parts of North and Central America.

Cattle and other livestock – rare, but possible, especially in rural settings.

Avoiding animal contact, no matter how friendly the animal seems, is always the safest approach if you are travelling to a rabies-endemic area.

Protect Yourself with a Rabies Jab at Vivo Pharmacy

At Vivo Pharmacy, we make it simple and stress-free to protect yourself against rabies before you travel. Our travel health experts provide the rabies jab with clear guidance tailored to your destination and planned activities. Receiving the vaccination before you travel means you are better protected and will require fewer post-exposure treatments if an incident occurs.

If you are planning a trip to a rabies-endemic country, or will be engaging in activities that increase your risk, we strongly encourage you to reach out or book a consultation with us.

Protect your health and travel with peace of mind — Vivo Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.