The death of a young man who was bitten by a pet dog has triggered a debate about the spread of rabies in Morocco.
According to data from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Morocco recorded 414 cases of rabies between 2000 and 2020, averaging 20 cases per year, with 180 of these cases involving children under 15.
Information about rabies and what to do if exposed is important for all travellers!
Prevention: Avoid contact with animals! Do not feed animals either! Pre-exposure vaccination is particularly recommended for travelers with increased individual risk (working with animals, travel on two-wheelers, to remote areas, young children, cave explorers, possible contact with bats, frequent travels etc.).
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 medical center for post-exposure vaccination as soon as possible! For more information: see Flyer rabies.