A UK resident who was bitten by a cat during a trip to Morocco has died of rabies, according to British health authorities.

What is rabies and Australian bat lyssavirus? Rabies virus and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) belong to a group of viruses called lyssaviruses

Rabies virus and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) belong to a group of viruses called lyssaviruses These viruses are usually transmitted via a bite from an infected ("rabid") animal

These viruses are usually transmitted via a bite from an infected ("rabid") animal They all cause a similar illness known as rabies, which affects the central nervous system and is usually fatal Source: NSW Department of Health

Public Health England (PHE) did not release further details, but warned people not to make contact with animals while travelling to countries where rabies is present.

PHE said health workers and the victim's friends and family were being monitored and had been offered vaccinations.

It said there was no risk to the wider community.

The rabies virus, which is closely related to Australian bat lyssavirus, is particularly prevalent in bats, but also occurs in dogs, cats and monkeys overseas, according to Australia's Department of Health.

It said symptoms could appear within several days of exposure to an infected animal, but could take years to emerge.

The early symptoms are flu-like, including headache, fever and fatigue.

The illness progresses rapidly to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death, usually within a week or two of the onset of illness.

Vaccination shortly after exposure can prevent the illness developing.

PHE head of immunisations Mary Ramsay said the fatality in Morocco was an important reminder of the precautions people should take when travelling to countries where rabies is present.

"If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal you must wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay," she said.

"There is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case but, as a precautionary measure, health workers and close contacts are being assessed and offered vaccination when necessary."

Last year, more than 140 people who were bitten by bats in New South Wales were treated with a preventative course of vaccines to try to stop them contracting the Australian bat lyssavirus.