A Scratch Was Enough: Tourist Dies After Trip to Morocco
It is hard to come to terms with such a tragedy. Yvonne Ford, 59, from the UK, was on holiday in Morocco in February this year. Her family reported that she developed a headache two weeks ago and then could not “walk, talk, sleep, swallow”. It turned out that “light” contact with a stray puppy led to a rabies infection. The disease did not show any symptoms for several months. Despite the help provided, it was too late. The woman died on June 11.
Jane McNicholas, of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We can confirm that we provided specialist care to a patient who contracted rabies while abroad and who sadly died.
Long-distance travel is becoming increasingly popular among tourists looking for new experiences, but it is not without risk. Rabies is a dangerous viral infectious disease of animals. Although it has been completely eradicated in developed countries, it is particularly widespread in Asia and Africa. People visiting countries on these continents are advised to avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals.
It is better not to react to these animals with aggression, but to keep your distance from them and protect yourself from the risk. Before traveling (including to Morocco), you should seek advice on the need for vaccination against this disease and others, such as hepatitis A and B. It is best to consult a travel medicine doctor at least 6-8 weeks before departure .
What to do in case of contact with a stray animal?What if we haven't had the vaccination and have come into contact with an animal, even unintentionally? The UK Health Security Agency reminds us what to do.
“If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal in a country where rabies is present, you should wash the wound or area of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice immediately for post-exposure treatment to prevent rabies,” it says. Treatment is extremely effective in preventing the disease if started immediately
Read also: Watch out for these unusual cubes while walking. You have to watch your pets Read also: Vaccinations before the holidays can cost a lot. Check the current price list and see how much you have to pay for them
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