The rabies virus affects the neurological system and is almost always fatal. Rabid animals are notable for their strange behavior and are usually vicious. Not all animals with rabies foam at the mouth.
Many urban centers in Honduras, such as capital Tegucigalpa, have large populations of feral dogs. Because these dogs are wild, they have not been vaccinated for rabies and pose a potential threat.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should not attempt to touch or feed a wild dog while visiting Honduras. In the earliest phases of rabies, dogs will appear completely normal but a bite can still spread the disease.
The CDC recommends rabies vaccinations for people visiting Honduras who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or will have exposure to dogs with the disease. For example, if you are veterinarian going to do charity work in Honduras, getting the rabies vaccine is advisable.
If you or someone in your family is bitten or scratched by a dog in Honduras, the CDC recommends washing the wound with soap and water and then seeing a doctor immediately. When you return home, schedule an appointment with physician there as well.
