A 59-year-old British mother from South Yorkshire, Yvonne Ford, has tragically died from rabies after sustaining a seemingly minor scratch from a puppy while on holiday in Morocco.
Mrs Ford passed away on 11 June at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield after a rapid decline in her health. She was initially admitted to Barnsley Hospital two weeks earlier after exhibiting unusual symptoms. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news.
In a heartfelt social media tribute, Yvonne’s daughter, Robyn Thomson, revealed that her mother had received a “very slight scratch” from a stray puppy during the trip. Despite the injury appearing minor, it resulted in a fatal case of rabies.
Experts warn that rabies symptoms can take days, weeks, or even months to develop. Symptoms include tingling or numbness at the bite or scratch site, difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking problems, paralysis, hallucinations, and severe anxiety. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, post-exposure treatment can prevent death if administered early enough.
According to the World Health Organization, dogs are responsible for 99% of human rabies cases worldwide. In the UK, rabies is extremely rare, with only six cases linked to animal contact abroad reported between 2000 and 2024. There is no rabies in UK domestic animals, although some bats carry related viruses.
The UK Health Security Agency and NHS strongly advise travellers to avoid contact with dogs and other animals when overseas. Any bites or scratches should be treated immediately with professional medical care to prevent rabies infection.
An inquest into Mrs Ford’s death has been opened in Sheffield, with formal findings expected soon. Jane McNicholas, Chief Medical Officer at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, expressed condolences and confirmed that specialist care was provided.
Originally published by UKNIP.
