The Department of Health warns travellers to the Mainland to be cautious as rabies cases have been reported in some parts of the country.

Chief Port Health Officer Dr Henry Kong said travellers going to places with a high incidence of rabies should consider immunisation and avoid wild animals, and stray dogs and cats.

Rabies is transmitted by a bite or scratch from a rabid animal. It is an acute fatal disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include malaise, headache, fever and abnormal skin sensations. These are followed after a few days by hyperactivity, disorientation, severe and painful muscle spasm, difficulty in breathing, paralysis, coma and death.

The incubation period is usually three to eight weeks, and may range from a few days to one year. There is no definite treatment for it at the moment.

If bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap or detergent immediately and seek medical attention. For more details visit the travel health service website. For vaccinations and prescription of preventive medications call 2961 8840 or 2150 7235.