The number of reports of Dutch people suspecting they have contracted rabies abroad has increased by tens of percent for the third year in a row. Alarm center Eurocross has already received 21 percent more reports this year than in the same period last year.
In 2025, more than five hundred reports about rabies have been received so far. Most came from travelers in Indonesia, Thailand or Turkey.
In 2024 there was an increase of 27 percent and in 2023 the number of reports increased by no less than 61 percent. The increase is taking place worldwide, Eurocross spokesperson Angela Looyé tells NU.nl.
Looyé sees no clear cause for the increase, although it may be a result of broader awareness. More attention in the news may make people more alert. “These figures underline the importance of awareness, prevention and good information.”
It is impossible to find out whether treated people have had rabies. Treatment is always preventive and ensures that the infection cannot take hold. An infection always leads to death.
It “very rarely” happens that someone with rabies returns to the Netherlands, a spokesperson for the RIVM told NU.nl. In the past forty years, five Dutch people have died from rabies. Not everyone who makes a report is treated. Looyé: “But 90 to 95 percent of them are.”
Infection not only by dogs
Yet many people do not get vaccinated before traveling to countries such as Turkey, Eurocross sees. Probably because they do not know or underestimate the risk. In addition, vaccinations are not always reimbursed. However, the advice is to get vaccinated before the trip to limit the risk of infection as much as possible.
Rabies is a deadly infectious disease caused by a virus. It can be transmitted to humans via a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Around 60,000 people die from the disease every year.
Infection mainly takes place through dog bites, but cats, bats, monkeys and other mammals can also transmit the virus. Rabies occurs in more than 150 countries, in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and South and North America.
What to do in case of a possible rabies infection?
It is important to take action immediately: