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Rabies (Human) in India

29 Oct 2014

The media has reported on a human case of rabies in the city of Pune, in the west of India. The case was a 14-year-old boy from Warapudi village in Indapur taluka in Pune district. The young man sustained a serious wound from a dog bite some time ago. He was taken to hospital but declined post-exposure prophylaxis for some reason and died from rabies on 24 October 2014.

There have been 21 human deaths from rabies in Pune this year (2014).

Advice for Travellers

Travellers should be aware that India is a high risk destination for rabies and be advised to avoid all animal contact. Rabies pre-exposure vaccine is available for those considered to be at risk. All animal bites should be reported promptly for medical assessment.