Briton dies of rabies after getting bitten by a cat in Morocco

Public Health England (PHE) issued a warning Monday to all UK residents after the resident contracted the disease.

While there is "no risk" to the wider public, the victim's family, friends and involved medical staff are being monitored and provided with vaccinations if necessary, the health agency said.

Rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, is an infectious viral disease which affects the brain and central nervous system. Initial symptoms include anxiety, headaches and fever, which can progress into hallucinations and respiratory failure, according to PHE.

The virus is transmitted to humans through animal bites or scratches and can take between three and 12 weeks to begin showing symptoms.

No humans have contracted rabies in the UK from animals -- other than bats -- for over 100 years, PHE said, adding that the disease does not circulate in wild or domestic animals in the country.

However, five Britons contracted rabies abroad from animals between 2000 and 2017.

PHE used the incident to remind residents of the risks when traveling abroad.

"This is an important reminder of the precautions people should take when traveling to countries where rabies is president," the head of immunizations at PHE, Mary Ramsay, said in a statement.

"If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal you must wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay."

If treated quickly after being exposed to a rabid animal, a vaccine course is "extremely effective at preventing the disease," the agency said.

Rabies occurs in more than 150 countries and territories worldwide.

Each year, over 59,000 people die of rabies -- with poor and disadvantaged populations affected most when there is limited access to healthcare.

An estimated 95% of instances occur in Africa and Asia, according to the World Health Organization, with over 99% of cases due to dog bites.

Let's block ads! (Why?)