Rabies awareness important when traveling outside Japan

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nigesa Scales
  • 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Force Health Management
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Summer is upon us, families are spending more time outdoors, and rabies infection is not a topic that would come to mind; especially when planning to travel.

What is Rabies?
Rabies is an acute progressive severe infection that is almost always transmitted by an animal bite. The rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animals.

Are Rabies found in Japan?
Japan is considered rabies free, and has not had a reported positive human rabies case since 1957. Japan also has strict quarantine and health guidelines on domestic animals entering the country. All animals are required to be registered at vet services and maintain currency on all vaccinations.

Rabies is not considered a risk in Japan, but may be a high risk in local neighboring countries throughout Asia. Three imported human rabies cases were reported in Japan during 1970 and in 2006 from Nepal and the Philippines.

Many families travel abroad to locations where rabies may be present, such as India, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Fiji, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, outlay islands of Australia and New Zealand.

What should I do if I get bit?
Clean the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately after receiving an animal bite or scratch. If you are in the local area, report to the 374th Medical Group Urgent Care Clinic or the nearest military medical treatment facility (Yokosuka Naval Station, Misawa Air Base, Japan, etc.) to receive care.

If you are on vacation, contact Tricare for authorization for care and report to the nearest medical facility. If care is completed at a civilian medical facility, ask for copies of medical treatment and follow-up with your assigned physician immediately after returning to Yokota.

If you have questions or would like more information, contact the 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Force Health Management office at 225-3541.