In mid of June 2025, a 59-year-old woman from Barnsley, UK, died from rabies after having been scratched by a puppy in Morocco in February 2025.
No human cases of rabies acquired in the UK from animals other than bats have been reported since 1902.
This tragic case underscores the importance of awareness about rabies and the critical need for post- exposure prophylaxis following potential exposures, such as dog bites or scratches, in rabies-endemic travel destinations, see also rabies factsheet.
Prevention: Avoid contact with animals and do not feed them! Travelers are advised to get a pre-exposure vaccination, especially those at higher risk, such as individuals working with animals, riding two-wheelers, visiting remote areas, young children, cave explorers, or anyone who may come into contact with bats.
Behavior after exposure: After an animal bite/scratch: immediately wash the wound with water and soap for 15 minutes, then disinfect and in any case visit a high-quality medical center for post-exposure vaccination as soon as possible!