A woman passed away from rabies following a scratch by a stray dog during a vacation abroad, with the diagnosis of the rare disease occurring several months later. Yvonne Ford, a British grandmother, succumbed to the illness four months after the minor scratch incident in February 2025 while she was in Morocco. Yvonne, hailing from Barnsley in South Yorkshire, did not initially seek medical attention for the scratch. It was not until June 2 that she sought medical help at Barnsley Hospital due to various symptoms such as severe headaches, nausea, mobility challenges, and disorientation. Her condition worsened unexpectedly, leading to her admission to the hospital.
The diagnosis of rabies was delayed until a psychiatrist inquired about her travel history, prompted by concerns from medical colleagues regarding her symptoms. Yvonne was subsequently transferred to Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital, where she eventually passed away on June 11. An inquest revealed that the disease’s rarity and unusual presentation posed challenges in diagnosing her condition.
During the inquest, infectious diseases expert Dr. Katharine Cartwright explained that rabies is a fatal virus once symptoms manifest but can be prevented with a vaccine. She noted that rabies symptoms typically appear within four weeks of exposure but can sometimes take up to three months or even years. Yvonne’s daughter emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if scratched or bitten by an animal abroad to prevent similar tragedies. She described her mother as a loving and dedicated family woman and stressed the need for awareness to prevent others from experiencing similar trauma.
The family and medical staff had to take precautions, including wearing protective gear, due to the contagious nature of rabies. Despite the efforts, Yvonne’s rapid deterioration was distressing for her loved ones, culminating in her untimely passing.
