Man Marries Son’s Fiancée, Leaves With Gold and Cash
Yvonne Ford, a 59-year-old woman from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was on vacation in Morocco in February. While there, she was lightly scratched by a stray puppy. According to her daughter, Robyn Thomson, the injury seemed so minor that Yvonne didn’t think it needed medical attention.
“She didn’t think anything would come of it,” Robyn shared in a Facebook post. But sadly, the situation took a serious turn.
Silent Infection, Sudden Symptoms
For several weeks, Yvonne showed no signs of illness. But then, about two weeks ago, she developed a headache that quickly worsened. Soon after, she started losing her ability to walk, speak, sleep, and even swallow. These symptoms were later confirmed to be signs of rabies.
Medical Help Came Too Late
Yvonne was first admitted to Barnsley Hospital and later transferred to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. There, doctors diagnosed her with rabies. Despite their efforts, she passed away on June 11.
An inquest into her death has now begun to understand the timeline and treatment she received.
No Public Risk, Say Health Officials
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that this case poses no risk to the public. Rabies cannot spread from person to person through casual contact, such as touching or being near someone who is infected.
Family Speaks Out: “Take Animal Injuries Seriously”
Yvonne’s daughter, Robyn, has urged the public to treat all animal scratches and bites with seriousness especially when travelling abroad.
“We never thought something so small could lead to something so tragic,” she said. “Please get medical help if you’re scratched or bitten. Vaccinate your pets. Educate others. It could save a life.”
What You Should Do After an Animal Scratch or Bite
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and clean water.
- Seek medical advice right away, even if the wound looks small.
- Start post-exposure rabies vaccination as recommended by a doctor.
- Avoid contact with stray or wild animals, especially in countries where rabies is more common.
Conclusion
Yvonne Ford’s story is heartbreaking but it also offers a powerful reminder. Rabies is rare in many countries, but it remains present in certain parts of the world, including some popular tourist destinations.
If treated quickly, rabies is preventable. But once symptoms begin, it’s too late. That’s why even a small scratch should never be ignored.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
