A 59 -year -old British tourist died after contracting the rage, four months after being slightly scratched by a puppy in Morocco, according to his family.
Two weeks before his death, the first symptoms appear
Originally from Barnsley, England, the 50 -year -old was on vacation last February in this country in North Africa. She then has a brief contact with a wandering dog. No symptoms appeared immediately, but the disease progressed in silence.
Two weeks before his death, Yvonne began to suffer from a violent headache, before her condition degraded suddenly. “”She could no longer walk, speak, sleep, swallow …“Testified her daughter, Robyn Thomson. Transported urgently to the hospital, she died on June 11.
What we know about the deadly infection of Yvonne Ford
In an overwhelming message published on Facebook, the victim’s daughter told the chain of events.
“”It was very slightly scratched by a puppy in Morocco in February“Writes Robyn Thomson.”At the time, she did not think that it would result in evil and did not think of it much“. An negligence that turned out to be dramatic.
Doctors recognized rage after hospitalization. The British Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) reacted quickly. “There is no risk for the general public due to the lack of documented evidence of rabies transmission between people“. All close contacts have however been identified and offered for vaccination as a precaution.
“”We would never have thought that something like it could happen to someone we love“said Robyn.”Please take the animal bites seriously, vaccine your pets and educate those around you. “
What are the real risks of rabies and how to protect yourself?
Rage is a fatal viral disease in almost 100 % of cases as soon as the symptoms appear, according to the World Health Organization. It is transmitted by the saliva of infected animals, via a bite, a scratch, or even a licking on a wound or a mucosa.
It affects the nervous system and causes:
- Fever;
- Headaches;
- A difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia);
- Anxiety and agitation (or other various neuropsychiatric disorders);
- Fear of water (hydrophobia);
- More rarely, motor disorders (numbness of a member, paralysis) or difficulties in speaking.
“”Rage has never disappeared and it is a deadly pathology in 100% of cases“Also reminded us of Professor Eric Caumes, an infectiologist, in a previous article. The first signs may appear between 3 and 12 weeks after the exhibition, but later cases are documented, sometimes several months or years later.
Post-exhibition treatment, if administered quickly after suspicious contact, is deemed very effective. But once the symptoms are declared, no healing is possible.
Rage abroad: good reflexes before and during a trip
Before leaving, here are the essential precautions to follow:
- Avoid contact with stray animals (dogs, cats, monkeys, etc.);
- Do not bring back an animal without health authorization;
- In the event of a bite, scratch or licking on a wound, immediately consult a doctor;
- Check if a preventive vaccine is recommended for your destination;
- When you return, have your pet checked if you have traveled with it.
For those who wish to import an animal, the French authorities recall that you must learn about health conditions with departmental embassies or veterinary services.