A British tourist has died after contracting rabies while holidaying in Morocco.

Public Health England said the traveller was infected with the fatal disease after being bitten by a cat during a trip to the North African country.

Health officials didn't release any more details about the case but said there is 'no risk' to the public.

However, as a precaution, health workers and close contacts to the deceased have been offered vaccination.

But what is rabies and can it be treated? Here is everything you need to know.

What is rabies?

Microscopic visualization of rabies virus

Rabies is a rare but very serious infection of the brain and nerves.

It's usually caught from the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most often a dog.

It's almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but treatment before this is very effective.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of rabies will usually develop after 3 to 12 weeks.

Initial symptoms include a high temperature of 38C or above, a headache, feeling anxious, and discomfort around the bite.

Other symptoms that can appear a later include: confusion or aggressive behaviour; hallucinations; frothing at the mouth; muscle spasms; difficulty swallowing and breathing; paralysis.

Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. In these cases, treatment will focus on making the person as comfortable as possible.

How can I catch it?

Rabies is found throughout the world, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.

It's usually caught from the bite or scratch, or in rare cares through the saliva, of an infected animal, most often a dog.

But all mammals, including monkeys, can carry rabies including: bats; raccoons; foxes; jackals; cats and mongooses.

It's not found in the UK except in a small number of wild bats.

What is the treatment?

There's also a vaccine for people at risk of being infected.

Visit your GP or a travel clinic if you think you may need the vaccine.

What to do if you've been bitten or scratched

If you've been bitten or scratched by an animal in an area with a risk of rabies:

What to do if you've been bitten or scratched?

Post-exposure treatment from a medical centre, hospital or GP surgery is nearly 100% effective if it's started before any symptoms of rabies appear.

This involves cleaning and disinfecting the wound, a course of the rabies vaccine, and in some cases, a medicine called immunoglobulin.

However, in the immediate aftermath of any incident you can clean the wound with running water and soap for several minutes.

It is then important to disinfect the wound with an alcohol- or iodine-based disinfectant and apply a simple dressing.

If you've already returned to the UK without getting medical advice, it's still a good idea to get help.

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Rabies in the UK

Daubenton's bat

The UK has been rabies-free since the beginning of the 20th century, with the exception of a rabies-like virus in a species of wild bat called Daubenton's bats.

This has only been found in a few bats, and the risk of human infection is thought to be low.

People who regularly handle bats are most at risk.

There has only been one recorded case of someone catching rabies from a bat in the UK.

It's also rare for infected bats to spread rabies to other animals.

But if you find a dead or injured bat, do not touch it. Wear thick gloves if you need to move it.

If you find a dead or injured bat you should report it and get advice by calling:

  • The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301 (if you're in England)
  • The APHA Rural Services Helpline on 0300 303 8268 (if you're in Wales)
  • Your local APHA Field Service Office (if you're in Scotland) – find contact details for your nearest Field Service Office.

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