Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill.
Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
From cdc.gov
