Thailand: Authorities step up rabies vaccine campaign

Event

Health authorities are stepping up rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats after 22 provinces were classified as rabies "red zones." At least three human deaths attributed to the disease have reported so far this year in the country. From the beginning of the year until March 11, there were 359 confirmed cases of rabies infections in animals across 37 provinces, mostly in the northeast and in the south.

Context

There were twice as many epizootic cases in January-February 2018 than during the same period in 2017. According to health regulations, failure to vaccinate pet animals is a petty offence punishable by a 200-baht (USD 8.40) fine per animal.

Advice

Individuals present in Thailand are advised to avoid all contact unfamiliar mammals (especially those acting erratically), make sure pets are vaccinated against the disease, and seek immediate medical attention if there is any possibility that transmission may have occurred.