After 9 weeks of being bitten by a cat, a man 𝒹𝒾𝑒𝒹 in the UK due to not being vaccinated against rabies and receiving timely treatment.

Omar Zouhri, 58 years old, from England, was bitten by a cat during a visit to Morocco at the end of August, RT reported on November 14. Zouhri was treated in Morocco and hospitalized when he returned to the UK on September 5. By mid-month, he was vaccinated against rabies by his family doctor.

Three weeks later, Zouhri returned to the hospital when his finger hurt and he suspected he had rabies. Doctors at the hospital confirmed he was healthy and suffering from delusions, according to Zouhri’s wife, Chadia. He was prescribed antibiotics and anti-chafing cream.

Nabil Jellal, Zouhri’s 38-year-old cousin, said he had muscle spasms, vomiting, headaches and could not eat or drink. As the symptoms became more severe, Zouhri’s hand became necrotic.

When transferred to hospital in Oxford, Mr. Zouhri was diagnosed with rabies and died on November 4.

The family, devastated by what Zouhri had to endure, shared his story to remind travelers to be careful when traveling abroad.

“I want to convey to everyone the message that anyone going abroad must be careful. Don’t come into contact with cats and dogs. If not, get vaccinated as soon as possible. You can see what happened to my family,” Jellal said.

The unfortunate incident that happened to Mr. Zouhri caused Public Health England (PHE) under the British Ministry of Health and Social Care to warn citizens. Anyone who is bitten, scratched or licked by a dog or cat should wash the area with soap and water, then seek medical attention or follow medical advice immediately.