Predictors of possible exposure to rabies in travellers: A case-control study

Timely administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent rabies. For non-vaccinated persons, PEP consists of multiple vaccinations and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) on indication. Since RIG is scarce, the need for PEP could be restricted through preventing animal contact and pre-exposure vaccination. We aimed to identify determinants for possible rabies exposure among travellers to provide more targeted pre-travel advice. A case-control study was performed. Cases were defined as persons with a possible rabies exposure (category II or III injury according to WHO classification guidelines) in a rabies endemic country. Controls did not report exposure during travel. Multivariable logistic regression was performed. 229 cases and 1427 controls were included. Predictors (p