"If you have been bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal from a place where rabies exists, it's crucial to wash the wound thoroughly and get immediate medical attention." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, saysAvoid contact with wild or stray animals:Vaccinate pets regularly:Clean wounds immediately:Vaccination: Pre-exposureAfter exposure: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)Remember, prevention is better than cure. A 59-year-old British woman has passed away after contracting rabies from what appeared to be an innocuous scratch by a stray puppy while on holiday in Morocco last year. Thinking it was only a minor cut, she didn't have it treated immediately. PEP involves a course of rabies vaccines, which, if given early, are almost 100% effective at preventing the disease.

Source: The Times June 21, 2025 09:11 UTC