A 59-year-old British woman from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, has tragically died after contracting rabies following a scratch from a puppy while on holiday in Morocco, her family has confirmed.
Yvonne Ford, a mother and well-loved figure in her community, died on 11 June at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, after her condition deteriorated rapidly. She had initially been admitted to Barnsley Hospital after experiencing unusual symptoms just two weeks prior.
Mild Scratch Turns Fatal Weeks Later
In a heartbreaking social media tribute, Mrs Ford’s daughter Robyn Thomson said her mother had a “very slight scratch” from a stray puppy while visiting Morocco in February. The contact seemed minor at the time, and Mrs Ford did not seek medical attention abroad.
“Two weeks ago she became ill, starting with a headache and resulting in her losing her ability to walk, talk, sleep, and swallow,” Ms Thomson wrote.
“We never thought something like this could happen to someone we love. Please take animal bites seriously.”
UK Health Officials Confirm Diagnosis
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the case and stressed that there is no risk to the public, as rabies does not spread between humans.
Close contacts of Mrs Ford, including hospital staff and family members, are being offered precautionary vaccinations as standard public health protocol.
About Rabies: What You Need to Know
- Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the brain and nervous system, typically spread through bites or scratches from infected animals.
- Dogs are the primary carriers globally—accounting for 99% of human cases, according to the World Health Organization.
- Symptoms may take days, weeks, or months to appear and include:
- Tingling or numbness at the site of the bite/scratch
- Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking
- Paralysis, hallucinations, and anxiety
- Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal, but post-exposure treatment is highly effective if administered promptly.
UK Rabies Context
Rabies is extremely rare in the UK.
- There have been six UK cases from animal contact abroad between 2000 and 2024.
- The UK has no rabies in domestic animals, though some bats carry a related virus.
Travel Advice from Health Authorities
The UKHSA and NHS strongly advise travellers to:
- Avoid contact with dogs, cats, and wild animals in countries where rabies is endemic.
- Seek pre-travel vaccinations if visiting rural or high-risk areas.
- Clean any wounds immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
- Get medical help as soon as possible—even for minor scratches.
For more information, visit NHS Rabies Advice or NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro.
Inquest Opened in Sheffield
An inquest into Mrs Ford’s death has been opened in Sheffield, with formal findings to follow. Jane McNicholas, Chief Medical Officer at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, expressed condolences to the family and confirmed that the trust had provided specialist care.
