What is rabies and how is it spread? Facts and travel warnings after fatal UK case

Rabies is a fatal virus transmitted through injuries such as bites and scratches from an infected animal.

In developing nations, individuals often contract the virus from stray animals and dogs.

While rabies is almost always fatal, post-exposure treatment can be highly effective if administered promptly after contact with an infected animal.

The initial symptoms of rabies are similar to flu, progressing to include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, difficulty swallowing and excessive saliva.

Muscle spasms used for swallowing make it challenging for patients to drink, and they may experience hallucinations and paralysis.

The incubation period between infection and symptom onset typically ranges from three to 12 weeks but can vary from a few days to several months.

There have been no human cases of rabies acquired in the UK from animals other than bats since 1902.

A single case of rabies contracted from a bat was reported in Scotland in 2002, where the individual had suffered multiple bat bites.

Between 2000 and 2024, six cases of rabies were reported in the UK, all linked to exposure abroad.

In 2018, a UK resident contracted rabies after being bitten by a cat in Morocco.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that rabies is prevalent in other parts of the world, particularly Asia and Africa.

Travellers are advised to avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals and to check if they require a rabies vaccine before travelling.

If an individual is bitten or scratched by an animal, or if an animal licks their eyes, nose, mouth or a wound, they should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention.

The same advice applies if someone is bitten or scratched by a bat in the UK.

Those who receive post-exposure treatment should consult their doctor upon returning to the UK to ensure the treatment continues and is effective.

Even if individuals did not seek help abroad, they should consult their UK doctor if they were bitten by an animal while overseas.

Further information on the risk of rabies in different countries can be found on the National Travel Health Network and Centre's TravelHealthPro website.

Approximately 59,000 cases of rabies occur worldwide each year, but no cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported.