A British lady has sadly died after contracting rabies during her holiday in Morocco. It is believed that the virus came from a small scratch made by a puppy. This incident has devastated her family and highlights the hidden danger rabies still poses in some parts of the world.
Many people think of rabies as a disease of the past or something that only happens in remote areas. This tragic story serves as a stark reminder that the virus is a real threat in several popular tourist spots.
Scratched by a puppy with rabies
The lady was on holiday when she encountered a stray puppy. The animal scratched her, but the injury seemed minor. Unfortunately, she didn’t seek immediate medical help, unaware of the risk involved. Weeks later, she started to show symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, and confusion. Despite medical treatment, it was too late. The lady died shortly after.
Her family has spoken out, hoping that sharing her story will raise awareness and prevent others from experiencing similar pain.
Understanding Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system. Once symptoms begin, it is almost always fatal. The disease usually spreads through the saliva of infected animals, commonly dogs, via bites, licking broken skin, or scratches. Even tiny wounds can let the virus in.
Early symptoms can resemble the flu, fever, headache, and fatigue. But within days, the virus can lead to neurological decline, confusion, hallucinations, paralysis, and eventually death. Importantly, once signs of rabies appear, there is no cure.
Why Morocco and Other Travel Destinations Pose a Risk
While the UK and many European countries are rabies-free, some parts of Africa, Asia, and South America still report regular cases, both in animals and humans. In Morocco, rabies remains a problem among stray dogs. Although there are vaccinations and public awareness campaigns, many travelers are not aware of the risks.
Holiday makers often don’t think twice about petting or playing with stray animals. Puppies in particular may seem harmless and cute, but they can carry diseases just like adult strays.
How to Protect Yourself From Rabies Abroad
Preventing rabies is crucial. Here are key steps travelers can take to stay safe:
- Avoid contact with stray animals, regardless of how friendly they seem.
- Do not feed, pet, or pick up dogs or cats, including puppies, unless you know they are vaccinated.
- Immediately wash any scratch, bite, or contact wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, then disinfect it.
- Seek urgent medical advice, even for minor wounds. Rabies post-exposure treatment is time-sensitive.
- Consider getting a rabies vaccine before traveling, especially if visiting rural areas or staying long-term.
One scratch from a dog infected with Rabies can be enough
What makes this disease so frightening is its silent nature. Rabies doesn’t always show symptoms right away. The virus can lay dormant in the body for weeks or even months before symptoms appear, usually making it too late for treatment.
This tragic story shows how a brief interaction with a cute animal abroad—a scratch or lick—can have serious consequences.
A Message About Rabies That Could Save Lives
The ladies family is urging others not to underestimate the risk. Their message is clear; don’t wait, don’t brush it off, and don’t assume “it’ll be fine.” If you’re scratched or bitten while traveling in an area where rabies is common, seek help immediately.
Their grief, although unimaginable, has become a call to action—for greater awareness, caution, and for traveler’s to take animal contact seriously.
