Rabies
Rabies is highly prevalent in Africa, India, Asia and parts of Latin America, but the risk to travelers is low. Pre-exposure immunizationagainst rabies is recommended for travelers with an occupational risk of exposure, for those planning extended stays in endemic areas, especially children, and for outdoor-adventure travelers going to rural destinations in endemic areas. The 2 vaccines available in the US (Imovax - Aventis Pasteur; RabAvert - Chiron) are both given at 0, 7 and 21-28 days. After a bite or skin-penetrating scratch from a potentially rabid animal, patients should promptly receive 2 additional doses. Without preexposure immunization, treatment requires rabies immune globulin and 5 doses (over 28 days) of an approved vaccine, both frequently unavailable in developing countries