Yvonne Ford, a 59-year-old grandmother from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, has tragically died from rabies after being scratched by a puppy during a holiday in Morocco earlier this year. The infection, contracted in February 2025, went unnoticed at first, but symptoms emerged around early June, leading to a rapid and devastating decline in her health.
Ford’s daughter, Robyn Thomson, shared the heartbreaking story on social media, revealing that her mother was “scratched very slightly by a puppy” while abroad. At the time, Ford didn’t think much of the minor injury, unaware of the serious consequences that would follow. “Two weeks ago she became ill, starting with a headache and resulted in her losing her ability to walk, talk, sleep, swallow,” Thomson wrote. “Resulting in her passing.”
After returning to the UK, Ford was diagnosed with rabies at Barnsley Hospital and later transferred to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. She died on June 11, 2025, with an inquest into her death opened and adjourned in Sheffield Coroner’s Court. Thomson described her mother as “the heart of our family — strong, loving and endlessly supportive,” expressing profound grief while also urging others to take animal bites seriously. “Please take animal bites seriously, vaccinate your pets, and educate those around you,” she implored.
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the brain and nervous system. It is usually transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, or if an infected animal’s saliva comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound. While rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, prompt post-exposure treatment can effectively prevent the disease.
Symptoms of rabies typically start within three to 12 weeks after exposure but can appear anywhere from a few days to several months or even years later. Early signs resemble flu, including headache and fever, but the disease rapidly progresses to more severe symptoms such as hallucinations, agitation, difficulty swallowing, paralysis, and excessive salivation.
In the UK, rabies does not circulate in wild or domestic animals, except for some bat species carrying a rabies-like virus. No human cases have been reported from UK-acquired infections other than those linked to bats since 1902. However, between 2000 and 2024, six cases of human rabies associated with animal exposure abroad have been reported in the UK, all fatal. Ford is the first person in the UK to die from rabies contracted overseas since 2018—the previous victim was bitten by a cat while holidaying in Morocco. Before that, a British grandmother died in 2012 after a dog bite in South Asia.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that there is no risk to the wider public from this case, as there is no documented evidence of rabies transmitting from person to person. Nevertheless, as a precaution, health workers and close contacts of Ford are being assessed and offered vaccinations where necessary.
Dr Katherine Russell, head of emerging infections and zoonoses at UKHSA, expressed condolences to Ford’s family and emphasized the importance of immediate action following animal exposures in rabies-affected countries. “If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal in a country where rabies is found then you should wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay in order to get post-exposure treatment to prevent rabies,” she said.
Rabies remains a significant health threat in many parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa. The World Health Organization estimates that around 59,000 people die from rabies annually across more than 150 countries, with about 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia. The true toll is likely higher, particularly affecting rural and poorer populations, with roughly half of all cases occurring in children under 15 years old. Morocco, where Ford contracted rabies, reports an average of 18 rabies-related deaths per year, according to WHO data from 2010 to 2022.
The UKHSA advises all travelers to rabies-affected regions to avoid contact with dogs, cats, and other animals whenever possible and to seek pre-travel advice regarding rabies vaccination. Even if vaccinated, individuals who suffer bites, scratches, or saliva exposure from animals should promptly wash the wound and seek medical attention to ensure timely post-exposure prophylaxis.
Ford’s family hopes that by sharing their story, others will become more aware of the dangers posed by rabies and the critical importance of timely medical intervention. “We never thought something like this could happen to someone we love,” Thomson said. “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.”
This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent threat rabies poses worldwide and the need for vigilance among travelers and healthcare providers alike. While rare in the UK, the disease’s near-certain fatality once symptoms develop underscores the vital importance of prevention and swift response.
