Family of Rabies Victim Pleads for Public Awareness After Holiday Tragedy
The husband and children of a British grandmother who succumbed to rabies have delivered a heartfelt plea during an inquest, expressing their hope that no other family will endure the profound "trauma, loss and devastation" they have experienced. Yvonne Ford, aged 59 and from Barnsley, passed away four months after being scratched by a stray dog while on a holiday in Morocco during February 2025.
A Fatal Scratch on a Moroccan Beach
Mrs. Ford was enjoying a sun lounger on a Moroccan beach when she inadvertently startled a stray dog by putting her leg down. The incident resulted in a minor scratch with no visible bleeding, which initially seemed inconsequential. However, this seemingly trivial injury would later prove fatal.
In June 2025, Mrs. Ford was admitted to Barnsley Hospital after falling ill with symptoms including severe headaches, nausea, mobility issues, and disorientation. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to concerns among medical staff. It was only when a psychiatrist, consulted due to symptoms like hallucinations and high anxiety, inquired about her travel history that rabies was suspected.
The Rapid and Traumatic Decline
Following the suspicion of rabies, Mrs. Ford was transferred to the infectious disease unit at Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital, where she died on June 11, 2025, with her family present and wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE). Her daughter, Robyn Thomson, read a family statement to the inquest jury, emphasizing their determination that Yvonne's death should not be without meaning.
Ms. Thomson described her mother as a "loving, active and devoted family woman," a "fantastic wife," a "wonderful mother," and an "exceptional grandmother" to four grandchildren. She highlighted the family's trauma in watching Yvonne deteriorate "in real time without explanation and with growing fear" during her time at Barnsley Hospital.
Hydrophobia: A Telltale Symptom
Infectious diseases expert Dr. Katharine Cartwright from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals explained to the jury that Mrs. Ford exhibited hydrophobia—the fear of water—a symptom unique to rabies. This manifested as her refusing to drink, despite family efforts to hydrate her with a syringe, and spitting out saliva every five to ten seconds until her death.
Dr. Cartwright noted that rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, though it can be prevented with a vaccine. She informed the inquest that there have been only 26 cases of rabies in the UK since 1946, underscoring its rarity. She also stated that symptoms typically begin within four weeks of exposure but can take up to three months or even years in some cases.
Family Concerns and a Call to Action
Ms. Thomson expressed concerns about the basic care her mother received at Barnsley Hospital, stating that the family did not believe Yvonne was treated with the level of dignity and respect she deserved. Despite this, Dr. Cartwright clarified that Mrs. Ford likely began exhibiting symptoms at the end of May, and nothing could have been done at Barnsley Hospital to save her once the disease progressed.
The family's key message, delivered through Ms. Thomson, is a urgent public warning: individuals must seek immediate medical advice if scratched or bitten by an animal abroad to prevent similar tragedies. They hope that raising awareness will spare others from the devastating loss they have endured.
