The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recently reported that health authorities in Bangkok, Thailand, issued an alert regarding human rabies cases following the detection of sick animals in some regions of the city.
From 2024 to the first quarter of 2025, a total of eight human deaths from rabies were reported in Thailand.
The ECDC wrote on September 19, 2025, the alert included recommendations included if a person has been bitten or scratched by a dog, cat, bat or other mammal in an area where rabies virus is circulating, they are advised to seek medical help immediately, as the timely prophylaxis in the event of exposure to a potentially infected animal is of utmost importance and knowledge of the epidemiological situation is vital to decide on appropriate post-exposure measures.
Treatment consists of local wound care, vaccination, and passive immunisation with immunoglobulin, if indicated.
To be effective, treatment has to be administered as soon as possible after exposure.
On September 22, 2025, the Public Health Veterinary Office, in collaboration with the Prawet District Office, the Wat Pak Bo Public Health Service Center 22, and public health volunteers, conducted a vaccination campaign to prevent rabies.
The ECDC wrote that the probability of infection for travellers in Thailand’s endemic areas is very low if basic preventive measures are followed, such as avoiding contact with wild and domestic animals, including pets.
In 2024, Bangkok welcomed approximately 30 million international visitors.
Those planning outdoor activities in high-risk zones or remote areas should receive an individual risk assessment and be offered pre-exposure rabies vaccination, if appropriate.
The U.S. CDC writes that rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of Thailand.
However, please consult with a travel vaccine provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.
In the United States, most rabies cases are associated with bat bites, rather than those caused by dogs or cats.