UK doctors test feared rabies case

LONDON, England -- Doctors in the UK are treating a suspected case of rabies, the Public Health Laboratory Service said.

The patient, who is described as being seriously ill, was bitten by a dog while travelling in the Philippines.

Doctors are awaiting the results of tests to confirm the disease, a PHLS spokesperson said on Saturday.

Cases of rabies are not common in the UK -- the last indigenous case of infection was in 1902.

The patient, whose sex or identity is not being confirmed, is being treated at an unnamed London hospital.

Vaccines can be given to people who are at risk of contracting rabies, and these vaccines can be given to people who are newly bitten by a dog.

Other than the vaccine, there is no other treatment for the disease, which is often fatal.

The PHLS spokesperson said: "Rabies affects the central nervous system and the brain.

"It is usually fatal, but those who do survive, often survive with disabilities.

"The symptoms are anxiety, a headache and a fever, followed by a spasm of the swallowing muscles leading to ultimate paralysis."

There is no public health risk, however, as human to human transmission does not occur, the spokesperson added.

Britain's strict quarantine rules, in place to protect it from rabies, were recently relaxed under an animal passport scheme.

Cats and dogs from rabies-free countries can now enter the country without first going into quarantine.

They must be vaccinated and then undergo blood tests to check that the injections have worked.

Thai dogs get passports to beat rabies
May 1, 2001
UK extends 'pet passport' scheme
August 2, 2000
Pet passports to ease British quarantine law
August 3, 1999
Mad dogs and Englishmen: Brits question pet quarantine
Oct. 18, 1996

Public Health Laboratory Service
UK Rabies Quarantine Policy
Rabies

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