Dutch Tourists Reporting More Rabies Exposure Fears

Tourists Returning from Risk Areas
The majority of these reports came from Dutch tourists who visited countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and increasingly, Turkey. Cases linked to Turkey have risen by 29 percent over the past year, despite it being considered a less obvious risk destination.

In Turkey, medical practices sometimes do not provide immunoglobulin, a vital treatment for unvaccinated individuals with bleeding bites. As a result, many Dutch travellers have had to return home urgently to seek proper care.

Lack of Awareness About Rabies Risk
According to health professionals at Eurocross, one of the main reasons for the growing number of incidents is a general lack of awareness. Many travellers to high-risk countries remain unvaccinated because they don't realise they are at risk.

Rabies is commonly transmitted through dog bites, though cats, monkeys, and bats can also spread the virus through bites, scratches, or even licks. The disease is present in over 150 countries across Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Globally, rabies causes around 60,000 deaths annually.

Health experts are urging travellers to educate themselves on the risks and consider getting vaccinated before visiting countries where rabies is more common, even those considered safe for tourism.