Guidance

Rabies: the green book, chapter 27

Rabies immunisation information for public health professionals, including updates.

Documents

Rabies: the green book, chapter 27

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email publications@phe.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

Rabies is an acute viral encephalomyelitis caused by members of the lyssavirus genus. The disease may be caused by rabies virus genotype 1 (classical rabies) or less commonly by rabies-related lyssaviruses. The presentations are clinically indistinguishable. Rabies-related lyssaviruses implicated in human disease include European bat lyssaviruses (EBLVs) and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV).

Published 28 November 2012
Last updated 26 May 2023 + show all updates
  1. Updated to include changes to categories of exposure, post-exposure treatment, and advice relating to immunosuppressed individuals; updated contact details for specialist advice; removed Sanofi Rabies BP due to discontinuation.

  2. Updated chapter in view of the changes to rabies pre and post-exposure treatment.

  3. Updated the Body text to include link to NHS Choices.

  4. First published.