Some carriers of the bacteria may not show any symptoms. Epidemics often occur in the sub-Saharan belt across the middle of Africa, especially during the dry season between December and June. Epidemics may also occur in Kenya, India, and Nepal. Rabies is usually spread by bats and wild meat-eating mammals such as skunks, foxes, and raccoons. Domestic animals may also carry rabies.
Transmission usually occurs from a bite which penetrates the skin to cause rabies in humans.
If not treated, the final stage of rabies almost always leads to death. The risk to travelers in tropical and sub-tropical countries is increasing. The risk of contracting malaria varies with the type and length of travel. There is no vaccine for Malaria, rather preventative medications are used. Good mosquito precautions should always be used.