The issue of CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) reported the case of a US citizen, who was bitten by a puppy while travelling in India in 2017 during a Yoga camp. The patient did not seek rabies medical treatment (postexposure prophylaxis), although she cleaned the wound. Upon his return to the US, the patient developed rabies and died during hospitalization despite aggressive treatment. A total of 250 health care workers were assessed for exposure to the patient, 72 of whom were advised to initiate postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
The patient had no record of a pretravel health screening, did not receive rabies preexposure vaccination before the trip, nor had she ever been vaccinated against rabies. This case highlights the importance of pretravel preparation, including medical guidance, for international travellers. India is a favourite travel destination not only for…
