Interacting with animals while on vacation might seem fun and harmless, but travelers should exercise caution—especially when visiting countries with a high risk of rabies.
Even the smallest scratch or bite from an infected animal can have deadly consequences. This tragic reality struck Yvonne Ford, a 59-year-old woman from Yorkshire. According to the International Business Times on Friday, June 20, 2025, Yvonne passed away on June 11 at a hospital in Sheffield after contracting rabies from a dog during her trip to Morocco in February. Although the infection occurred months earlier, symptoms of rabies only began to appear about two weeks before her death.
According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms manifest. Generally, if you are bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling abroad, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. It’s also important to understand that some regions carry significantly higher risks of rabies transmission than others.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that Asia and Africa report the highest number of rabies cases transmitted by dogs. Approximately 95% of rabies-related deaths worldwide occur on these continents—especially in rural areas with limited rabies control measures and restricted access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
WHO further explains that only mammals can transmit rabies, with dogs responsible for 99% of human fatalities caused by the disease. However, other mammals such as bats, raccoons, and foxes can also carry and spread the virus.
Additionally, regions like Eastern Europe, Central America, and South America are classified as having moderate to high rabies risk. Travelers can stay informed about rabies risks in their destination countries by visiting Travel Health Pro, the official website of the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre.
Rabies is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. The virus can also enter the body if an animal’s saliva comes into contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, or open wounds.
The disease attacks the brain and central nervous system. Early rabies symptoms often resemble mild illnesses, including fever, headache, and localized pain near the wound. As the infection progresses, more severe symptoms such as muscle spasms, confusion, and difficulty swallowing can develop.
Symptoms usually appear within three to twelve weeks after exposure. Although rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms emerge, it can be prevented if treated promptly after exposure.
Dr. Katherine Russell, Head of Infection and Zoonoses at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), advises the following steps if exposed to the virus: “If you are bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal in a country with rabies risk, immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, then seek medical care right away to receive post-exposure prophylaxis that can prevent rabies infection.”
