A British woman has tragically died from rabies after being scratched by a puppy during a trip to Morocco, prompting her grieving family to speak out in hopes of raising awareness about the often misunderstood but deadly disease.
Yvonne Ford, a wife, mother, and grandmother from Barnsley, UK, became ill several weeks after returning home from her holiday earlier this year.
Initially, her symptoms were mild, starting with a headache, but quickly escalated into something far more severe. She ultimately lost the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and sleep before passing away in a local hospital, Sky News reports.
Her heartbroken family shared the news publicly via Facebook, writing (per The Mirror): “Our family is still processing this unimaginable loss, but we are choosing to speak up in the hope of preventing this from happening to others. Yvonne Ford, Ron Ford’s wife and our Mum, died of rabies."
The post continued: "She was scratched very slightly by a puppy in Morocco in February. At the time, she did not think any harm would come of it and didn’t think much of it. Two weeks ago she became ill... and it resulted in her passing.”
Yvonne’s daughter Robyn Ford has also taken to social media to share a list of urgent rabies facts, urging others to be vigilant while travelling. “We never thought something like this could happen to someone we love,” Robyn wrote. “Please take animal bites seriously, vaccinate your pets, and educate those around you.”
In her post titled “What You Should Know About Rabies,” Robyn highlighted the following:
- Rabies is always fatal once symptoms appear.
- It is preventable through prompt medical care after exposure.
- Even a minor scratch or bite from an infected animal—wild or domestic—can transmit the virus.
- If you are ever bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately. Post-exposure prophylaxis vaccines can save your life.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), rabies is an almost universally fatal disease once symptoms begin. The virus is usually transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, particularly in countries where rabies is still prevalent, such as parts of Asia, Africa, and Central America. However, effective treatment is available if administered soon after exposure.
Dr Katherine Russell, Head of Emerging Infections and Zoonoses at the UKHSA, extended her sympathies to the Ford family, saying (per the UK Government's website): “If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal in a country where rabies is found, wash the wound with soap and water immediately and seek urgent medical attention to receive post-exposure treatment. This can prevent the virus from developing.”
Dr. Russell also reassured the public, explaining that there is no risk of transmission between humans and that such cases remain extremely rare in the UK. As a precaution, health workers and anyone who had close contact with Yvonne are being assessed and may be offered vaccines.
The Ford family now hopes their tragedy will serve as a wake-up call. “This could have been prevented,” Robyn said. “If our story saves even one life, then sharing our pain will have been worth it.”