WORLD CUP SQUAD TO GET RABIES JAB
Russia classed as ‘high risk’ zone
ENGLAND’S football stars are set to be inoculated to protect them from rabies during the World Cup in Russia.
There are warnings about “packs of wild animals” carrying the killer disease in the nation.
Public Health England rates Russia as a high-risk area.
Officials add that anyone staying there for at least a month should have the jabs. Government sites say wolves, bats, foxes, deer, squirrels and even hedgehogs have been found to have the disease.
Public Health England says: “Vaccination… is advised if you’re travelling to an area where rabies is common in animals, particularly if you’re staying for a month or more… or you’ll be carrying out activities that could expose you to rabies, such as cycling or running.”
An England team insider said: “It’s still a long way off but we will be looking at all the options and take medical advice.”
The Russian National Tourist Office in London said the tournament is being held in the most developed cities in the western part of the country, where the risk of rabies is “very low”.
A spokeswoman added: “Travellers should follow simple safety rules.” Rabies kills about 60,000 people a year globally. The England squad and staff are expected to stay at the four-star ForRestMix hotel in Repino – 19 miles from St Petersburg – for the four-week tournament, which begins in June.
Accommodation at the rural venue on the shores of the Gulf of Finland costs up to £192 a night.
Spurs striker Harry Kane scored the injury-time goal in the 1-0 victory over Slovenia on Thursday to guarantee England’s qualification for the tournament.