Person dies in Yorkshire from rabies after visit to Morocco
The UKHSA has advised that there is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case as there is no documented evidence of rabies passing between people.
It adds: 'However, as a precautionary measure, health workers and close contacts are being assessed and offered vaccination when necessary.'
The government agency responsible for all health security in England is now reminding travellers to be careful around animals when travelling to rabies-affected countries due to the risk of catching the disease.
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Dr Katherine Russell, Head of Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, at UKHSA, said: 'I would like to extend my condolences to this individual's family at this time.
'If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal in a country where rabies is found then you should wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay in order to get post-exposure treatment to prevent rabies.
'There is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case. Human cases of rabies are extremely rare in the UK, and worldwide there are no documented instances of direct human-to-human transmission.'
The UKHSA explains: 'Rabies is passed on through injuries such as bites and scratches from an infected animal. It is nearly always fatal, but post-exposure treatment is very effective at preventing disease if given promptly after exposure to the virus.'
It continues: 'Rabies does not circulate in either wild or domestic animals in the UK, although some species of bats can carry a rabies-like virus. No human cases of rabies acquired in the UK from animals other than bats have been reported since 1902.
'Between 2000 and 2024 there were 6 cases of human rabies associated with animal exposures abroad reported in the UK.
'Rabies is common in other parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa. All travellers to rabies affected countries should avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals wherever possible, and seek advice about the need for rabies vaccine prior to travel.'
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Urgent Mounjaro and Ozempic warning for anyone planning a holiday
The UKHSA says you should take 'immediate action' to wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water, if:
'Local medical advice should be sought without delay, even in those who have been previously vaccinated,' the UKHSA adds.
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