Rabies is a deadly viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain. Rabies is spread via the bite of an infected animal, or by having an infected animal lick punctured skin. The initial symptoms of fever, headache and feeling unwell may not start until weeks after infection. Subsequent symptoms can include hallucinations and convulsions triggered by swallowing. Once symptoms begin, the disease is untreatable and fatal. Although there is no rabies in Finland, the disease remains common even in Finland’s neighboring areas, such as Russia. Rabies can be spread by stray dogs, for example. The vaccine is not included in the National Vaccination Programme. The vaccine can be purchased by prescription from pharmacies and medical centres. Leisure travellers must pay for the vaccine themselves. Rabies vaccinations for people exposed to the rabies virus due to work-related reasons are paid by the employer. Individuals exposed to the rabies virus must always be vaccinated. Therefore, the treatment provider pays for the vaccines in such cases in Finland.

• Lääkeinfo.fi: Verorab (in Finnish)
• THL, Infectious diseases: Rabies (in Finnish)
• THL, Traveller’s Health Guide: Rabies (in Finnish)
• WHO, Fact sheet: Rabies