Rabies hotspots map reveals where you're most likely to be struck down with deadly disease
A warning has been issued to those travelling to countries where rabies is prevalent - here we take a look at the key hotspots across the globe
Many Brits will be eagerly anticipating their summer holiday. The beach towels will be packed and the airport taxi will be booked - but it is important to keep in mind the risks of heading abroad, particularly regarding your health.
Certain viruses or diseases are more prevalent in some countries than in others due to factors like lifestyle and environmental conditions. Rabies, for example, has been wiped out in the UK, but can still crop up elsewhere.
This week, a British woman died of rabies after being scratched by a stray dog in Morocco, leading the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue urgent warnings for those visiting countries where the virus is common.
Rabies, which is spread through bites or scratches from an infected animal, can be prevented if immediate treatment is administered.
The infection was diagnosed in Yorkshire and The Humber, with health workers and close contacts of the woman receiving vaccinations as a safety measure.
Dr Katherine Russell, head of emerging infections and zoonoses at the UKHSA, sought to reassure the public.
"There is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case," stated Dr Russell. "Human cases of rabies are extremely rare in the UK and worldwide there are no documented instances of direct human to human transmission."
Tragically, rabies continues to cause thousands of deaths every year, particularly in Asia and Africa, which account for 95 per cent of the deaths from rabies globally, reports the Express.
Contributing factors to the prevalence of rabies in Asia and Africa include inadequate vaccination programmes, limited access to healthcare due to poverty, and a large population of unvaccinated stray dogs.
Let's take a closer look at these alarming statistics from around the world.
Asia
Rabies is typically more prevalent in South Asia. Countries such as India, which sees a high number of fatalities from the disease, along with Pakistan and Bangladesh, are among the most severely affected.
Several African countries also suffer from a high incidence of the disease in rural areas, often spreading amongst dog populations. Regions of Eastern and Western Africa are considered high-risk areas for infection.
Countries like Ethiopia, Burundi, and Rwanda have been identified as being particularly susceptible to the disease.
Other affected regions
Despite lower rates of infection in Europe and North America, certain areas and animal populations still carry the disease. In the Americas, bats are typically the carriers of the disease.
Meanwhile, sporadic outbreaks in Eastern Europe often originate in red fox populations. While the UK boasts rabies-free animal populations, a few bat species can still transmit a virus similar to rabies.
Between 2000-2024, six cases of infection from exposure elsewhere were documented.
Consequently, WHO officials have advised individuals travelling to high-risk areas to be aware of the potential dangers and take necessary precautions when interacting with animals that may be infected with rabies.
Dr Katherine Russell cautioned: "If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal in a country where rabies is found then you should wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay."
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