Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has issued a stark health warning for travellers to Morocco following the tragic death of a Swiss tourist from rabies.
The victim, bitten by a stray dog in the coastal town of Taghazout near Agadir, succumbed to the disease despite receiving initial medical treatment.
The incident occurred in late June when the tourist, who had previously interacted with the stray dog, was bitten during her visit. Although the wound appeared minor and was treated promptly with cleaning, disinfection, and post-exposure vaccination, the infection progressed rapidly.
This heartbreaking case underlines the hidden dangers posed by animal bites and the deadly nature of rabies, often underestimated by travellers seeking close contact with local wildlife.
In response, the FDFA has updated its travel advice, urging Swiss nationals to avoid all contact with stray animals in Morocco. “Stay away from stray animals, and do not feed or approach them, even if they appear friendly,” the advisory warns.
It highlights that several rabies-related deaths have been recorded in Morocco following dog bites, confirming the ongoing threat in the region.
Rabies, though eradicated in many Western countries, remains a serious health risk in parts of North Africa, including Morocco.
The virus can remain dormant for days or weeks before causing severe neurological symptoms that are almost always fatal. Timely and thorough medical treatment is crucial, but prevention through avoiding exposure is paramount.
The tragedy also casts a spotlight on the broader issue of stray animal management in popular tourist destinations like Taghazout. With the town’s rapid growth as a seaside resort, cohabitation between locals, visitors, and unsupervised animals presents increasing challenges.
The case raises urgent questions about preventive measures such as sterilisation, vaccination campaigns, and animal control efforts to protect both residents and tourists.
As Morocco continues to welcome visitors along its Atlantic coast, this alert serves as a somber reminder of the shared responsibility to address public health risks and ensure safer environments for all.
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