The Federal Consumer Rights Surveillance Service, known as Rospotrebnadzor, has highlighted that rabies cases remain rare in Russia. Each year, only isolated human cases are recorded, according to official updates reported by TASS. This pattern underscores the importance of ongoing vaccination efforts and public awareness to prevent any rise in infections.
Data from recent years show a small number of human rabies incidents: two cases in 2022, six in 2021, seven in 2020, and two cases in 2019, 2018, and 2017. Over the last five years, the service stresses that human rabies in Russia has remained limited to isolated occurrences. This steady trend reflects vaccination campaigns and responsible animal control measures that help curb transmission.
Rospotrebnadzor notes that the method of rabies transmission has not changed: the virus spreads when contaminated saliva comes into contact with mucous membranes or broken skin. In Russia, dogs are the most common source of rabies transmission to humans, though other mammals can also be carriers. Public health messaging continues to emphasize avoiding contact with stray or unfamiliar animals and seeking prompt medical advice after potential exposure.
Timely vaccination against rabies is crucial because there is no universally available cure after the virus has entered the body. A person who may have been exposed should speak with a healthcare professional to determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis is needed, as recommendations depend on the exposure type and the animal involved.
Individuals who are bitten or scratched by a dog should act quickly. Immediate steps include washing the affected skin with soap and water, then applying hydrogen peroxide. After cleaning, the wound should be treated with iodine solution, ideally five percent, and medical evaluation should be sought to assess the need for further care, including possible vaccination or post-exposure treatment.
There have been past advisories from Rospotrebnadzor concerning other travel-related health risks, such as the Zika virus, which have reminded travelers to take appropriate precautions when abroad. These notes serve as a reminder that surveillance and preventive measures extend beyond Russia’s borders to protect residents and visitors alike. [Attribution: Rospotrebnadzor reports and public health guidelines]