A British woman has tragically lost her life to rabies after being bitten by a stray dog during a holiday in Morocco. Her heartbroken daughter is now sharing the devastating story to warn others about the dangers of the deadly virus.
A Holiday Turned Nightmare
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly bitten by the infected animal while on vacation. Initially dismissing the wound as minor, she did not seek immediate medical treatment.
Rabies Symptoms Appear Too Late
By the time she developed symptoms—including fever, confusion, and paralysis—it was too late for effective treatment. Rabies is almost always fatal once clinical signs appear, with only a handful of survivors documented worldwide.
Daughter's Emotional Plea
The woman's daughter described her mother's rapid deterioration and painful final days in hospital. "It was horrific to watch," she said. "I had no idea rabies could kill so quickly."
Travel Health Warning
Health experts are urging travellers to:
- Always seek medical advice after animal bites abroad
- Consider pre-travel rabies vaccination for high-risk destinations
- Avoid contact with stray animals in rabies-endemic countries
The UK has been rabies-free in terrestrial animals since 1922, but imported cases remain a risk.
NHS Rabies Treatment Protocol
For potential exposures:
- Immediately wash wounds with soap and running water for 15 minutes
- Seek urgent medical attention
- Post-exposure prophylaxis must begin before symptoms appear
Public Health England records show this is the first rabies death in England since 2018.
