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A tourist died of rabies after being bitten by a rabid cat while he was on vacation in Morocco, health officials said.
It is understood that the person was bitten a few weeks ago but that she was not vaccinated before it was too late.
Public Health England (PHE) warned travelers that the British resident had contracted the disease as a result of the sting.
A tourist died after contracting rabies from a rabid cat in Morocco. Source: Getty
It is thought that the Brit sought care both in Morocco and at home after being bitten.
Professor Jimmy Whitworth, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said, "I understand that it is someone who has had contact with a cat who behaved abnormally and who has asked for care, I believe in Morocco and the UK, but unfortunately, do not receive the vaccination before it is too late.
"I think the cat bit that person a few weeks ago.
"The typical time interval [for symptoms to appear] is two to three months, so you have enough time [to seek care].
"But it can only take a week and that's why it's so important to seek prompt care and get vaccinated. In this tragic case, the person did not receive the vaccine on time. "
The tourist was infected by a rabid cat in Morocco. Source: Getty, file
PHE stated that there was "no risk" for the general public, but that as a precaution, health workers and close contacts were vaccinated if necessary.
Tourists advised to vaccinate before traveling to Asia or Africa
"This is an important reminder of the precautions that people traveling to countries with rabies must take," said Dr. Mary Ramsay, PHE's immunization officer.
"If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal, you should wash the wound or the exposure site with soapy water and consult a doctor immediately.
"There is no risk to the general public in this case."
Rabies is transmitted by animals infected with wounds such as bites or scratches. It is not transmitted from man to man.
People traveling to an area of the world where rabies is common, such as Asia or Africa, are encouraged to consider vaccination.
PHE stated that travelers to countries affected by rabies should avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals as much as possible.
Additional information on rabies, specific to each country, is available on the National Travel Health Network and Center website.
What is rabies?
- Rabies is a rare but serious infection that is almost always fatal when symptoms appear. It is usually taken from the bite or scratch in an infected animal.
- It is found throughout the world, but is most common in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America.
- Rabies can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is not transmitted from man to man.
- Symptoms usually appear between three and 12 weeks after infection. The first symptoms include fever, headache, discomfort and, in some cases, discomfort at the bite site.
- Other symptoms appear a few days later, including the hallmark of the disease: a lot of saliva or foam in the mouth.
- Additional symptoms may include confusion, hallucinations, muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and paralysis.
- According to NHS Choices, the infection is almost always fatal once the symptoms appear, but the treatment before is very effective. There is also a vaccine for people at risk of becoming infected.
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