POTENTIAL RABIES EXPOSURE INCIDENTS & VACCINATION PREVALENCE AMONGST TOURISTS AND EXPATRIATES IN PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

My aim is to determine the prevalence and characteristics of rabies vaccination and potential rabies exposure incidents amongst foreigners in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Data collection was done on a convenience sample population outside main tourist sites in Phnom Penh during August 2014 through a questionnaire-based survey. A total of 57 questionnaires were completed. 63% of participants were tourists with the remainder being expatriate workers. The prevalence of rabies vaccination was 44% in tourists and 55% in expatriates. Half of those questioned reported coming into close contact with a possible rabies host animal. 25% of these had a potentially significant rabies exposure incident - defined as a lick, bite or scratch - most commonly from a dog, cat or rodent. These incidents most frequently occurred whilst outdoors, followed by home, hostels and restaurants. Only one participant reports seeking medical attention post-exposure which was after a serious dog bite. There was no difference in the rate of exposure incidents between unvaccinated and vaccinated groups. Tourists were less likely to report a significant potential rabies exposure incident than expatriates (16% vs 38%). There is little data on potential rabies exposure incidents amongst travellers and expatriates in the tropics. Compared to other studies, Cambodia has a high prevalence of rabies vaccination amongst foreigners. This study highlights a high potential rabies exposure prevalence amongst foreigners, especially expatriates. It seems likely this would be replicated across SE Asia. This should be considered when counselling travellers on appropriate vaccination regimen.