‘The first case of rabies detected in New Zealand has resulted in a death, local health authorities say.
A statement released by the national health ministry Hauora, identified the deceased person was a returned traveller from overseas, where the virus was contracted.
“Rabies is an entirely vaccine preventable disease in people and animals. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, typically a domestic dog, but also sometimes wild animals,” says Professor David Hayman, an epidemiologist from Massey University (NZ).
“Unfortunately, the disease is also always fatal.
“We are lucky in New Zealand that rabies is not present, but it is important for people who travel abroad to understand the risk and avoid being exposed to rabies through animal bites and if going to high-risk areas to get vaccinated.”
cosmosmagazine.com/health/first-time-rabies-death-new-zealand/