British Woman Dies of Rabies After Puppy Scratch in Morocco – What Travellers Must Know

In February 2025, a 59-year-old British woman was scratched by a puppy while visiting Morocco. She developed symptoms weeks later and sadly died in the UK.

This tragic event has sent ripples through the travel health community and serves as a sobering reminder: rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms begin—but it is entirely preventable with the right steps.

“Please take animal bites seriously…”

That was the plea from health officials this week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that:

“Six cases of human rabies connected to animal exposure abroad were reported in the UK between 2000 and 2024.”
“Please take animal bites seriously, vaccinate your pets, and educate those around you.”

Here at the London Vaccination Clinic, we’ve seen how easily these exposures can happen—particularly in countries where street dogs, cats, and monkeys are common.

The risk may seem low, but the consequences are not.

Where Is Rabies a Concern?

Rabies is still widespread across Asia and Africa, with high-risk countries including:

  • Morocco
  • India
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Kenya
  • The Philippines
  • Indonesia

Even brief contact with a stray dog or playful puppy can lead to exposure. A scratch, lick on broken skin, or bite is all it takes.

What We Recommend

The UKHSA’s guidance is clear—and we support it fully:

✅ Avoid contact with dogs, cats, and wild animals while abroad
✅ Get advice about rabies vaccination before you travel
✅ Act immediately after any exposure

At London Vaccination Clinic, our expert nurse-led team provides:

  • Pre-travel risk assessments for rabies and other travel health concerns
  • Same-day rabies vaccinations
  • Post-exposure treatment including immunoglobulin
  • Rapid, evidence-based advice if you’re concerned during or after travel

Final Thought from Our Clinical Team

Rabies is not a theoretical risk—it’s a real, present danger in many popular travel destinations. But with awareness, planning, and the right protection, it is entirely preventable.

This case is a heartbreaking reminder of what happens when awareness comes too late. Our mission is to make sure that never happens again.

Learn more