Australian health authorities have raised alarms about counterfeit batches of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab® that have been circulating in India since November 1, 2023.The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and Victoria's Department of Health have issued a health alert, emphasizing that individuals vaccinated with this counterfeit product may not be adequately protected against the deadly rabies virus.
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outbreaknewstoday.substack.comthelogicalindian.comThe alert specifically targets travellers who received the Abhayrab vaccine in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.The manufacturer, Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), has confirmed the presence of fake products in circulation, prompting concerns for over 100,000 Australians who travel to India annually.
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thelogicalindian.comfreepressjournal.inRabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.It is endemic in many regions, including India, where the majority of rabies cases are attributed to dog bites.The World Health Organization estimates that around 59,000 people die from rabies globally each year, with India accounting for approximately 20,000 of these cases.
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thelogicalindian.comfreepressjournal.inHealth officials have advised anyone who received one or more doses of Abhayrab or an unknown rabies vaccine brand in India since November 1, 2023, to consult their general practitioner or healthcare provider.They may be recommended to receive replacement doses using rabies vaccines that are registered in Australia, such as Rabipur® or Verorab®.
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outbreaknewstoday.substack.combsphn.org.auThe counterfeit vaccines are reported to closely mimic legitimate products, using similar batch numbers but lacking the proper active ingredients.They may also show irregular chemical compositions and improper labelling, which can render them ineffective against rabies.This poses a significant risk, as rabies can be transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, and once symptoms manifest, the fatality rate exceeds 99%.
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thelogicalindian.combsphn.org.auDr Evelyn Wong, Acting Chief Health Officer of Victoria, emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice for those who may have received the counterfeit vaccine."People who have received Abhayrab, or an unknown rabies vaccine brand, in India from 1 November 2023 onwards are advised to see their healthcare provider to check if replacement doses are needed," she stated.
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thelogicalindian.comIn Queensland, at least 40 individuals are known to have received rabies vaccinations in India during this period, and there may be others who are not accounted for by public health records.Queensland Health has committed to contacting affected individuals to recommend re-vaccination and referral to immunisation providers.
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bsphn.org.auThe counterfeit vaccine crisis highlights systemic issues within India's vaccine market, which is valued at $1.5 billion and has been plagued by counterfeiting due to high demand and inadequate regulation.The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has increased efforts to combat this issue, but enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in private clinics frequented by tourists.
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thelogicalindian.combsphn.org.auFor Australians planning to travel to rabies-endemic countries, health authorities recommend several precautions.These include seeking pre-travel medical advice, avoiding close contact with animals, and maintaining detailed records of all vaccinations received abroad.Immediate medical care should be sought if bitten or scratched by an animal, and thorough washing of the wound is essential.
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freepressjournal.inIn summary, the alert regarding counterfeit rabies vaccines in India serves as a critical reminder for travellers to ensure they receive verified vaccinations.The potential risks associated with counterfeit vaccines underscore the need for vigilance and prompt action to safeguard public health.
