Rabies Vaccine: Essential Precaution For Belize Adventure

Belize is a beautiful country in Central America, bursting with culture and tropical fun for all types of travellers. However, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks before travelling to this country. While there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Belize, it is highly recommended that travellers ensure they are up to date with routine vaccines, including COVID-19, MMR, and chickenpox. In addition, vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies are strongly advised, as these diseases can be contracted through contaminated food, water, or animal bites. Dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus are also prevalent in Belize, transmitted by mosquito bites, so it is crucial to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites.

Rabies transmission in Belize

Rabies is a deadly viral illness transmitted mainly through animal bites. In Belize, dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found, and rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species. Bats, in particular, are the main reservoir host for rabies in the Neotropics. Vampire bat rabies has been detected in northern Belize, with high seroprevalence rates across years, suggesting active and endemic virus circulation.

To protect yourself from rabies transmission in Belize, it is essential to follow these guidelines:

• Avoid touching or feeding any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds or get their saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Stay away from rodents and their urine and feces.
• Supervise traveling pets closely and do not allow them to come into contact with local animals.
• Seek immediate medical care if you wake up in a room with a bat, as bat bites may be hard to see.
• Be extra cautious around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes.
• If bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and seek medical attention.
• Inform your doctor about any animal bites or scratches when you return home.

Additionally, getting the rabies vaccine before traveling to Belize is highly recommended, especially for those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas. The vaccine is also advised for long-term travelers and those who may come into contact with animals.

Pre-travel rabies vaccination

The rabies vaccine is typically recommended for travellers who fall into high-risk categories. This includes individuals planning to stay in the country for an extended period, those who will be engaging in outdoor activities or working with animals, and children, who are more likely to play with animals and may not report bites or scratches. It is also worth noting that rabies vaccines may only be available in larger medical facilities in suburban or urban areas of Belize, making pre-travel vaccination even more important.

The rabies vaccine is administered in two shots, with the second dose given seven days after the first. Even with pre-travel vaccination, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten or scratched by any animal during your trip. Two booster doses of the vaccine will be required following potential exposure.

In addition to the rabies vaccine, there are several other vaccinations recommended for travellers to Belize, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and chickenpox. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and to ensure that all necessary vaccinations are administered in a timely manner before your trip.

By taking the necessary precautions, including pre-travel rabies vaccination, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to Belize.

Post-exposure rabies vaccination

Rabies is a deadly viral illness transmitted mainly through animal bites. It is spread through the saliva of infected animals, especially dogs, cats, bats, and monkeys, usually through a bite, scratch, or lick to broken skin. The risk of contracting rabies is higher for those working or living in remote or rural areas, long-stay travellers, trekkers, cyclists, runners, those working with or regularly handling animals or bats, and children.

If you are travelling to Belize, it is recommended that you get vaccinated for rabies, especially if you are planning to stay for long or will be in contact with animals. Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Belize, and rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, you should immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and go to a doctor right away. Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to your home country.

For those who have previously received either pre- or post-exposure rabies prophylaxis, only two rabies vaccine boosters are needed, given on Days 0 and 3. It is important to note that patients who have been previously vaccinated should NOT receive HRIG.

Rabies risk factors in Belize

Belize is a high-risk country for rabies, with the virus actively circulating in vampire bats in the north of the country. The disease is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species, such as dogs, cats, and mongooses. While human rabies cases have not been documented in Belize for over 20 years, vampire bats have been reported to feed on humans.

• Bites or scratches from infected animals: The rabies virus is usually transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, especially via bites, scratches, or licks on broken skin. In Belize, dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found, and the virus is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species. Bats, especially vampire bats, are the primary reservoir for rabies in the country.
• Lack of prompt medical care: If you are bitten or scratched by an animal in Belize, it is crucial to seek urgent medical advice. Rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban or urban medical facilities, and treatment for rabies must be administered quickly.
• Remote or rural areas: The risk of rabies is higher for those living or working in remote or rural areas with limited access to medical facilities. This includes travellers staying in smaller cities or rural areas or those undertaking activities such as trekking, cycling, or running in high-risk areas.
• Contact with animals: The risk of rabies increases if you come into contact with animals, especially bats. This includes those working with or regularly handling animals as part of their job.
• Lack of vaccination: Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for most travellers to Belize, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine your individual risk and whether you should receive the rabies vaccine before travelling.
• Lack of awareness: Many travellers are unaware of the risk of rabies in Belize. It is essential to understand the risks and take precautions, such as avoiding contact with animals and seeking medical advice after any animal bites or scratches.

Rabies prevention in Belize

Belize is a high-risk country for rabies, with infected dogs and terrestrial wildlife species found in the country. Here are some measures to prevent rabies when travelling to Belize:

Vaccination

• Consult a healthcare provider to determine whether you need a rabies vaccine before travelling to Belize. The vaccine is recommended for most travellers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
• If you are performing occupational or recreational activities that increase the risk of exposure to potentially rabid animals, consider getting vaccinated before your trip.
• Rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities in Belize, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional before travelling.

Animal Interactions

• Do not touch or feed any unknown animals.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and avoid getting animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Keep a safe distance from rodents and their urine and faeces.
• Supervise travelling pets closely and do not allow them to come into contact with local animals.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you wake up in a room with a bat, as bat bites can be hard to see.
• Be extra cautious around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes.

General Precautions

• Wash any animal bites, scratches, or licks to broken skin with soap and clean water, and seek medical attention right away.
• Keep up to date with all routine vaccines before travelling.
• Take steps to prevent insect bites, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, using insect repellent, and staying in screened rooms.
• Practise safe food and water hygiene by opting for fully cooked dishes, avoiding raw seafood, and choosing eateries with good hygiene practices.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming in freshwater areas.

Frequently asked questions