Devon Mum’s Near-Fatal Rabies Case After Turkish Cat Bite
TURKEY – A Devon woman narrowly escaped death after contracting rabies from a cat bite during a holiday at a Turkish resort in September 2022. Chloe, whose last name has not been released, is now living with nerve damage and has been forced to change her career after the ordeal.
The incident occurred at the La Blanche Resort, were Chloe was bitten on the foot by a cat. while rabies is rare in the UK, it remains a serious and almost always fatal infection once symptoms manifest. Chloe believes the location of the bite – her foot, furthest from her brain – likely saved her life. “If it had been my hand I probably wouldn’t be here today, it has been pretty traumatic to say the least,” she stated.
The bite resulted in nerve damage, forcing Chloe to give up her job as a support worker in a secured children’s home. She is currently running a hair salon while managing daily pain. the incident also led to her losing her home, which was attached to her previous employment, and rehoming her dog, Bronson, due to her reduced physical capabilities.
“But I just count myself lucky I’m still here. I’ve never been a big fan of cats – and I’m certainly not one now,” Chloe added.
Rabies is typically contracted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. According to the NHS, vaccination and prompt treatment are crucial for preventing the disease. symptoms can include numbness or tingling around the wound, hallucinations, anxiety, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and paralysis.
The La Blanche Resort has been contacted for comment.
