Morocco Reports 18 Rabies Deaths, Urges Vaccination and Caution

In a press release, the Ministry of Health warns Moroccans about the danger posed by rabies. According to international data, it kills about 60,000 people worldwide each year, or about one death every ten minutes.

To prevent this disease, the Ministry recommends vaccinating domestic animals such as dogs and cats, while avoiding any contact with them when they are unknown.

Similarly, children should not play with unknown animals, even if they appear gentle. The Ministry encourages the public to report any contact, bite or scratch by an unknown or suspected rabid animal.

In case of exposure to an animal, it indicates the procedure to follow: carefully wash the lesion with soap and water and go to the nearest anti-rabies center to receive appropriate local care and vaccination. An anti-rabies serum could be administered to the victim, if necessary.

World Rabies Day, commemorated this Saturday, September 28 each year, is now in its 13th edition. It is focused on the theme, "Rabies: Vaccinate to Eliminate".

On this occasion, particular emphasis will be placed on the importance of annual vaccination of owned dogs as the cornerstone of all rabies control efforts.

Nearly 65,000 people receive prophylaxis each year following exposure to a suspected rabid animal as part of the National Rabies Control Program, the Ministry of Health details.