UK Grandmother's Rabies Death: Jury Finds Diagnosis Delay Didn't Change Fatal Outcome
A jury has determined that difficulties in diagnosing rabies in a grandmother who was scratched by a dog while on holiday did not affect the fatal outcome of her case. Yvonne Ford, 59, from Barnsley, tragically died four months after suffering a minor scratch from a stray dog during a holiday in Morocco.
The Holiday Incident and Subsequent Illness
Mrs Ford was on holiday in Morocco in February last year when she startled a dog under her sun lounger on a beach, receiving a minor scratch. She did not seek immediate medical treatment at the time. It wasn't until June 2, 2025, that she presented at Barnsley Hospital with a range of concerning symptoms including severe headaches, nausea, mobility issues, and disorientation.
She was admitted the following day as her condition rapidly deteriorated, but medical staff initially struggled to identify the cause of her illness. The diagnosis of rabies only came after a psychiatrist, called in by colleagues concerned about symptoms like hallucinations, disorientation, and high anxiety levels potentially having a mental health origin, inquired about Mrs Ford's travel history.
Hospital Transfer and Final Days
Following the diagnosis, Mrs Ford was transferred to Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital, where she died on June 11. Her family was present, wearing personal protective equipment including gloves, masks, visors, and aprons during her final moments. In a narrative conclusion delivered on Thursday, a jury of eight men and two women stated: "The rarity of the disease and unusual presentation led to a difficulty in reaching a diagnosis but this did not affect the outcome."
Expert Testimony on Rabies
Infectious diseases expert Katharine Cartwright from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals testified during the three-day inquest in Sheffield. She explained that rabies is a virus that is 100% fatal once symptoms begin to manifest, though it can be prevented with a vaccine. Post-exposure treatment can also be effective, but only if administered before symptoms appear.
Dr Cartwright noted that rabies symptoms typically begin within four weeks of exposure, but can take up to three months or even years in rare cases. She indicated that Mrs Ford likely began exhibiting symptoms at the very end of May, meaning there was nothing that could have been done at Barnsley Hospital to save her life once the disease progressed.
Family's Emotional Appeal for Awareness
Speaking outside the court, Mrs Ford's son, Adam Ford, flanked by his father Ron Ford and sister Robyn Thomson, made an emotional appeal to raise global awareness about rabies. "In memory of our beloved mother, our family hope to raise awareness about rabies, not only here in the UK, but around the world," he said.
Mr Ford highlighted that rabies causes approximately 59,000 deaths annually worldwide despite being preventable. He urged anyone bitten or scratched by an animal in countries where rabies is prevalent to seek immediate medical advice, regardless of how minor the wound might appear. "We truly believe that our mum's death might have been preventable if there had been greater awareness and education surrounding rabies," he added.
Ms Thomson described to the jury how the family had to watch their mother deteriorate "in real time without explanation and with growing fear." She expressed concerns about the basic care her mother received at Barnsley Hospital, stating they didn't believe Yvonne was treated with the level of dignity and respect she deserved.
Coroner's Considerations and Hospital Response
Sheffield assistant coroner Marylin Whittle noted she required more information before deciding whether to issue a Prevention of Future Deaths Report. She recognized the family's concerns about Mrs Ford's care in Barnsley but indicated these were not relevant to the fatal outcome. The coroner also highlighted that a GP testified he would routinely only ask about travel history going back 21 days, and she wanted more information on how this practice had developed.
A spokesman for Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust expressed condolences: "Our thoughts are with Yvonne's family following the sad loss of a loved family member in such unusual circumstances. We welcome ongoing discussions with Yvonne's family about all aspects of her care."
Dr Cartwright further contextualized the rarity of the case, noting there have been only 26 cases of rabies in the UK since 1946. The Ford family continues to mourn their loss, describing Yvonne as "a loving mother, and a loving wife and a fantastic grandmother" who was "the glue to our family" and has left "a massive hole within our family and friends."
