LONDON VAUXHALL DEALERS

Dogs are the most common transmitter of rabies to humans (library picture)

A grandmother is being treated for rabies in London after being bitten by a dog in south Asia, the Health Protection agency has said.

Rabies is potentially fatal, but officials have stressed there is no risk to the public.

The identity of the patient, who is said to be in her 50s, has not been disclosed.

Dr Brian McCloskey, director of the HPA for London, said: "Despite there being tens of thousands of rabies cases each year worldwide, there have been no documented laboratory confirmed cases of human-to-human spread.

"Therefore the risk to other humans or animals from a patient with rabies is considered negligible.

"However, to take every possible precaution, family members and healthcare staff who had close contact with the patient since they became unwell - which is when they are infectious - have been assessed and offered vaccination if appropriate."

Rabies is usually transferred through saliva from the bite of an infected animal with dogs being the most common transmitter of rabies to humans.

There are estimated to be more than 55,000 human fatalities every year, with most cases in developing countries.

Rabies experts at the HPA say it is "extremely rare" in the UK.

Professor David Brown said only four cases of human rabies acquired from dogs have been identified since 2000, all from animals abroad.

He said: "It is essential to get health advice if you are travelling to countries where rabies is common or if you know you will be working with animals."