2023-10-15 21:29:37
Travelers who are vaccinated against rabies before departure are just as well protected with one shot as with the current two shots, according to research conducted by the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. This discovery is significant as it addresses the issue of vaccine shortages and also saves travelers both costs and time.
Rabies is known to be the deadliest viral disease globally, causing approximately 59,000 deaths every year. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected mammals like dogs, cats, and bats. In case of an animal bite or scratch, individuals need to undergo a series of vaccinations.
The LUMC study emphasizes that in the preventive vaccination schedule, one injection is equally effective as the current schedule of two injections. Professor Leo Visser, the research leader and infectious diseases expert, explains that even with a single injection, the immune system is able to build up powerful protection against the virus. Visser hopes that this revelation will encourage more individuals to get vaccinated before their tropical holidays, as the availability of vaccines is often limited and the cost for the two-shot series can exceed 150 euros.
While the chance of contracting rabies in the Netherlands is relatively low, it is significantly higher in other countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. On average, around 1 in 300 travelers per month sustain a bite wound abroad. By receiving the vaccination before traveling, the body becomes equipped to defend against the rabies virus after subsequent injections.
The implementation of the new vaccination schedule is still uncertain, as it needs to be officially incorporated into guidelines. However, this research breakthrough promises to enhance vaccination practices and combat rabies effectively.
Source: LUMC]
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