Rabies

Key Information

• Disease: Rabies is a rare viral infection of the central nervous system, most often transmitted through the bite of an infected mammal.
• Pre-exposure Immunization: Recommended for high-risk individuals (e.g., certain travelers, occupational exposure).
• Post-exposure Prophylaxis: Highly effective when administered promptly and appropriately.

Epidemiology

• Infectious Agent: Rabies virus, an RNA virus of the Rhabdoviridae family.
• Reservoirs: Mammals, including dogs, bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes.
• Transmission: Through bites, scratches, or contact with mucous membranes.

Recommendations for Use

• Pre-exposure: For individuals at high risk of exposure.
• Post-exposure: Based on risk assessment, immediate wound cleaning, administration of rabies immunoglobulin, and rabies vaccine.

Preparations Authorized for Use in Canada

• Vaccines:
  • IMOVAX® Rabies (Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.)
  • RABAVERT® (Bavarian Nordic A/S)
• Rabies Immunoglobulins:
  • HyperRAB® (Grifols Therapeutics LLC.)
  • KamRAB™ (Kamada Ltd.)

Vaccine Administration

• Pre-exposure: Three doses on days 0, 7, and 21-28.
• Post-exposure: Includes local wound treatment, rabies immunoglobulin, and a series of rabies vaccines.

Safety and Adverse Events

• Common adverse reactions include injection site reactions (pain, erythema, swelling, and itching).
• Rare severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.