Rabies Cases in UK

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that affects the brain and nervous system. Around the world, it still kills tens of thousands of people every year—mostly in parts of Asia and Africa. But what about here at home?

This blog looks at the situation with rabies in the UK , including whether it's found here, how many UK rabies cases have been reported, and what people should know when travelling abroad.

Is Rabies Found in the UK?

The simple answer: No , not in animals that live on land—like dogs, foxes or cats. The UK is officially free of classical rabies in its domestic and wild animals. This means rabies does not naturally spread here anymore.

The last case of someone getting rabies inside the UK (from a dog or other land animal) was over 100 years ago , in 1902.

What About Bats?

Some bats in the UK carry a rabies-like virus called European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV). It’s not the same as the usual rabies virus, but it can still cause illness in rare cases.

There has only been one recorded death in the UK linked to a bat, in 2002. This happened when a bat handler was bitten and became sick with EBLV.

So while the risk from bats is very low, it’s still important not to touch them unless you're trained and vaccinated.

Recent Cases of Rabies in the UK

Although rabies is not spreading within the UK, a few people have died from rabies after being infected abroad .

Here are some recent UK rabies cases :

• 2012 – A person was bitten by a dog in India
• 2018 – A woman was scratched by a cat in Morocco
• 2025 – A British traveller died after being scratched by a stray puppy in Morocco

These are known as imported cases . The people were infected while abroad but became ill after returning to the UK.

In total, there have been about 26 imported rabies cases in the UK since 1946.

How Do People Get Rabies?

Rabies is usually spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Dogs are the most common source worldwide, but cats, bats, and other mammals can also spread it.

The virus enters the body through broken skin and travels to the brain. Once symptoms start, the disease is almost always fatal. That’s why quick treatment after a bite or scratch is so important.

What Are the Symptoms of Rabies?

Symptoms often start weeks after the bite. They include:

•  Fever and tiredness
•  Pain or tingling at the bite area
•  Confusion or agitation
•  Difficulty swallowing or breathing
•  Fear of water (a classic rabies symptom)
•  Eventually, paralysis and coma

Once symptoms appear, it is usually too late to treat . That’s why early action is key.

Why Is Rabies So Rare in the UK?

Here’s why the UK has so few rabies cases:

Strict animal import rules 

Animals entering the UK must be vaccinated, microchipped, and meet health requirements.

No rabies in local animals 

Dogs, cats, and wildlife in the UK don’t carry the virus.

Good public health response 

People exposed to rabies can get vaccines and treatment quickly.

Awareness and prevention 

Most people know to avoid risky animals when travelling.

Travelling Abroad? Here’s What You Should Do

Most rabies cases in the UK happen when people get bitten or scratched while travelling abroad. Here’s how to stay safe:

Before You Go

• Check if rabies is common in the country you're visiting
• Get vaccinated if you're going to a high-risk area, especially if:

• You’ll be around animals
• You’ll be far from medical help

While Abroad

• Avoid touching animals , especially strays
• Don’t pet dogs, cats, monkeys or bats, even if they look friendly
• Teach children not to approach animals

If You’re Bitten or Scratched

• Wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
• Apply disinfectant if you have it
• See a doctor immediately 
• Get post-exposure vaccines as soon as possible

What If You’re Bitten in the UK?

It’s very unlikely you’d catch rabies from an animal in the UK. But if you are:

• Bitten by a bat , especially a wild one
• Handling wildlife without protection

Contact your doctor or emergency services straight away. You might need a precautionary vaccine.

Final Thoughts

Even though rabies is no longer a threat from UK animals, it’s still a deadly disease found in many countries. Every year or two, a case of rabies in the UK appears, almost always after someone is bitten abroad.

So if you're travelling, know the risks , avoid animal contact, and seek help quickly if you’re exposed. If you're a Non‑Resident Indian (NRI) or have family in India, it’s smart to think about health insurance that works for you even when you’re far away. One option many are considering is Niva Bupa NRI Health Insurance. If a rabies exposure leads to hospitalisation while in India, such insurance could help with costs, if hospital treatments are covered under Niva Bupa NRI Health Insurance.

These plans offer cashless treatment at over 10,400 hospitals across India, covers pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, including tests and medicines, offer annual health check-ups included with some plans and tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act (India). These NRI plans are designed especially for Indians who live abroad or move frequently between India and another country. The idea is to have good medical cover back home, so that visits to India don’t become stressful if someone gets sick.

FAQs

1. Can bats in the UK give you rabies?

   Some UK bats carry a rabies-like virus called EBLV (European Bat Lyssavirus). It’s rare, but it can be deadly. There has been only one fatal case, in 2002, from a bat bite. Avoid handling bats unless you're trained and vaccinated.

2. How many rabies cases have there been in the UK recently?

   All recent UK rabies cases were caught abroad. Since 1946, there have been about 26 imported cases, including ones in 2012, 2018, and 2025, all from bites or scratches while travelling.

3. What should I do if I get bitten by an animal while travelling?

   Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, apply disinfectant if you have it, and see a doctor straight away. You’ll likely need post-exposure vaccines, which can prevent the disease if given early.

4. Can health insurance help if I get rabies abroad?

   Yes, especially if you’re visiting India or travelling long-term. Niva Bupa NRI Health Insurance offers coverage for hospitalisation, pre/post-treatment costs, and even annual check-ups. It’s a good option for NRIs who want to stay protected during visits to India.