Briton dies from rabies after ‘scratch’ from stray puppy in Morocco

A British woman has died from rabies after she was “scratched” by a puppy in Morocco, her family said.

Yvonne Ford, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, had light contact with the stray dog while on holiday in February in the North African country.

In a social media post, reported by the Press Association, Mrs Ford’s family said she developed a headache two weeks ago and later couldn’t “walk, talk, sleep, swallow”.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there was no risk to the wider public due to no documented evidence of rabies passing between people.

Mrs Ford was diagnosed at Barnsley Hospital after returning to the UK, the hospital trust confirmed.

In the Facebook post, her daughter Robyn Thomson said the family “is still processing this unimaginable loss”.

“She was scratched very slightly by a puppy in Morocco in February,” she wrote.

“At the time, she did not think any harm would come of it and didn’t think much of it.

She continued: “Two weeks ago she became ill, starting with a headache and resulted in her losing her ability to walk, talk, sleep, swallow. Resulting in her passing.”

Close contacts of Mrs Ford and health workers were being assessed and offered vaccinations when necessary as a precaution, a UKHSA spokesperson added.

Rabies can cause a life-threatening infection of the brain and nervous system in humans.

It is passed on through injuries such as bites and scratches from an infected animal.

It is nearly always fatal, the UKHSA said, but post-exposure treatment is “very effective” at preventing disease if given promptly after exposure to the virus.

Ms Thomson added: “We never thought something like this could happen to someone we love.

“Please take animal bites seriously, vaccinate your pets, and educate those around you.”

Dr Katherine Russell, from the UKHSA, said: “Human cases of rabies are extremely rare in the UK.

“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.”

Six cases of human rabies connected to animal exposure abroad have been reported in the UK between 2000 and 2024.

Rabies is particularly common in Asia and Africa, the UKHSA said, with people visiting affected countries advised to avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals wherever they can.

The agency also advised people to seek advice about the need for a rabies vaccine before travel.