A British woman tragically passed away from rabies after being scratched by a puppy while on vacation in Morocco, according to her family. Yvonne Ford, 59, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, had a brief interaction with the stray dog during her trip to the North African country in February. Her family revealed that she started experiencing symptoms two weeks ago, including difficulty walking, talking, sleeping, and swallowing. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) assured that there was no risk to the general public as rabies transmission between humans is not documented.

Mrs. Ford was diagnosed at Barnsley Hospital upon her return to the UK and was later transferred to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, where she sadly passed away on 11th June. An inquest into her death has been initiated in Sheffield. In a heartfelt Facebook post, her daughter Robyn Thomson expressed the family's shock and grief over the loss. She recounted how her mother was scratched by a puppy in Morocco in February, unaware of the potential danger. The family is still coming to terms with the devastating outcome.

Close contacts of Mrs. Ford and healthcare workers are being evaluated and offered vaccinations as a precautionary measure, as confirmed by a UKHSA spokesperson.

Understanding Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system in humans. Symptoms typically manifest within three to 12 weeks but can appear sooner or even after several months. Warning signs include numbness at the site of the bite, hallucinations, anxiety, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and paralysis. While rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, prompt post-exposure treatment is highly effective in preventing the disease.

The NHS advises individuals to seek medical attention immediately if they have been bitten, scratched, or exposed to an animal's saliva in sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, mouth, or open wounds while abroad.

Ms. Thomson emphasized the importance of taking animal bites seriously, ensuring pets are vaccinated, and educating others on the risks. The UK has reported six cases of human rabies linked to animal encounters overseas between 2000 and 2024. Rabies is prevalent in Asia and Africa, with travelers to affected regions urged to avoid contact with animals. Pre-travel consultations regarding rabies vaccination are recommended by health authorities.

Jane McNicholas, chief medical officer at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, expressed condolences to the family and refrained from disclosing further details out of respect for their privacy.