Rabies infection causes fatality in British tourist

Yvonne Ford, a British woman from Barnsley, England, has died after contracting rabies from a scratch by a stray puppy during a holiday in Morocco in February.

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is typically transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, and the incubation period can range from a few weeks to several months.

According to reports, Ford’s daughter, Robyn Thomson, shared a post on social media explaining that her mother had only begun to show symptoms two weeks previously. The initial symptoms started with a headache and rapidly worsened, eventually leaving her unable to walk, speak, sleep, or swallow.

Ford was diagnosed with rabies at Barnsley Hospital after returning to the UK and was later transferred to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, where she died on 11 June.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that there was no risk to the general public, as there is no evidence that rabies can be transmitted between humans. However, as a precaution, health workers and close contacts are being assessed and offered vaccination if necessary.

Health officials advise travellers who come into contact with potentially infected animals in countries where rabies is prevalent to immediately wash any wounds or exposure sites thoroughly with soap and water and seek prompt medical advice. Receiving timely post-exposure treatment, including vaccination, is crucial in preventing the disease and can stop fatalities.

Health officials have warned of a spike in measles cases globally.