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PHE warns travellers about the risk of rabies

Public Health England (PHE) is warning travellers to avoid contact with animals when travelling to countries affected by rabies to protect themselves from acquiring the infection.

The advisory comes in the light of the death of a UK resident from rabies after contracting the virus through a cat bite during a visit to Morocco. Although there is no risk to the general populations, risk assessment is being done for health workers and close contacts of the patient.

Although rabies is extremely rare in the United Kingdom, it is quite common in some parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa. Individuals travelling to rabies-affected countries are advised to avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals as far as possible. They should also seek advice regarding the need for pre-travel rabies vaccination.

Any individual who has received a bite, scratch or lick from an animal or has direct contact with a bat in a rabies-affected country should thoroughly wash the wound/exposure site with soap and water, and promptly seek local medical attention even if previously vaccinated. The individual should also contact their physician upon return so as to complete the course of rabies treatment.


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