The mosquito responsible breeds in rice paddies, so the disease mostly occurs in the rural areas of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Korea and the Philippines. The illness is rare in travellers and the vaccination is only given to high risk travellers, generally those who will be living in affected rural areas for one month or more, or in urban areas of countries where JE is prevalent, for twelve months or more. JE vaccine is only available from specialised Travel Clinics. As for other mosquito-borne illnesses, prevention by avoidance of mosquito bites is as important as vaccination. Rabies Rabies is a viral disease which may be transmitted by infected animals by biting, scratching or, rarely, by licking.
Untreated rabies is always fatal.
Rabies is a worldwide problem with cases occurring most commonly in India, Thailand, and Central America. Travellers should take care with all animals and be aware that in temples in Asia attacks by monkeys are common and may be unexpected. Rabies free countries include Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, Sweden and Malaysia. Pre-exposure Immunisation is only recommended for travellers at occupational risk such as Vets, livestock and wildlife workers and laboratory workers. Boosters are required every two years for continued exposure.