Man recalls wife's rabies death from puppy scratch

Yvonne Ford died from rabies after a puppy scratch while on holiday.

Couple's tragic holiday ends in rabies death

Yvonne Ford, 59, from Barnsley, tragically died after contracting rabies from a puppy scratch during her holiday in Morocco. The incident occurred while she was sunbathing. Four months later, she experienced severe headaches and was admitted to Barnsley Hospital, where her condition quickly deteriorated. After being transferred to Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, doctors diagnosed her with rabies. Despite efforts to save her, she died after being placed in a coma. The family, including her husband Ron and daughter Robyn, have since shared their story to raise awareness about rabies and prevent similar tragedies. They have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support rabies vaccination efforts in areas where the disease is still prevalent.

This heartbreaking story exposes the dangers of rabies, a virus that many believe to be eradicated in some parts of the world. The family's experience highlights a critical gap in public awareness, particularly regarding animal interactions while traveling. With rabies still present in regions like Asia and Africa, it is vital that travelers familiarize themselves with preventative measures and understand the seriousness of seemingly minor injuries, like a scratch. Robyn Ford’s initiative to promote rabies awareness and vaccination is a necessary response to an oversight that can have devastating consequences.

Highlights

Raising awareness about rabies is essential to prevent future tragedies.