Public health officials are advising the public to be vigilant for signs of rabies following the tragic death of a woman whose illness went undetected initially.
A jury determined that the rarity of the disease and its atypical symptoms posed challenges in diagnosing rabies in a grandmother who was scratched by a dog in Morocco. Yvonne Ford, aged 59, from Barnsley, passed away four months after a minor scratch by a dog on a beach during a holiday in February 2025, without seeking medical attention.
On June 2, 2025, Mrs. Ford presented at Barnsley Hospital with various symptoms, including severe headaches, nausea, mobility issues, and disorientation. Her condition worsened, leading to her admission the next day, but medical professionals struggled to identify the cause of her illness.
The diagnosis of rabies only occurred after a psychiatrist inquired about Mrs. Ford’s travel history, prompted by concerns from medical colleagues regarding her symptoms. She was subsequently transferred to Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital, where she passed away on June 11 surrounded by her family wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), as revealed in the inquest.
During the three-day inquest in Sheffield, infectious diseases expert Katharine Cartwright explained that rabies, a virus with a 100% fatality rate once symptoms manifest, can be prevented with a vaccine. Post-exposure treatment is also effective but must be administered before symptoms appear.
Adam Ford, Mrs. Ford’s son, addressed the media outside the court, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about rabies globally. He stressed the preventability of the disease and the necessity for increased understanding to avert further tragedies.
Mr. Ford highlighted the need for immediate medical consultation for anyone bitten by an animal in regions where rabies is prevalent, emphasizing the potential for prevention with greater awareness and education.
He expressed regret that his mother’s death might have been preventable with more awareness regarding rabies and hoped that sharing her story would help save lives and spare other families from similar heartbreak.
Mrs. Ford’s daughter, Robyn Thomson, detailed the family’s experience of watching her mother’s rapid deterioration without a clear explanation, expressing concerns about the quality of care provided in Barnsley.
Dr. Cartwright explained that rabies symptoms typically appear within four weeks of exposure, though onset can vary. She clarified that there was no effective intervention possible at Barnsley Hospital due to the timing of Mrs. Ford’s symptoms.
Assistant coroner Marylin Whittle indicated a need for further information before deciding on the necessity of a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, acknowledging the family’s concerns about Mrs. Ford’s care in Barnsley.
The NHS describes rabies as a rare but severe infection impacting the brain and nerves, stressing the importance of immediate medical attention following potential exposure to prevent the fatal outcomes associated with the disease.
Early symptoms of rabies can be nonspecific, resembling common viral infections, but progress to more severe neurological manifestations as the virus spreads through the central nervous system.
Individuals exposed to animals in high-risk areas are advised to seek medical evaluation promptly, even for minor wounds, to mitigate the risks associated with rabies.
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