UK Woman, 59, Dies Of Rabies After Getting 'Scratched' By Stray Puppy

Last Updated:June 21, 2025, 18:57 IST

The daughter of the deceased usrged everyone to be careful, take animal bites seriously and vaccinate pets.

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A woman in Morocco reportedly died of rabies after she got “scratched" by a stray puppy in Morocco. Her daughter took to Facebook and narrated the entire incident.

According to Robyn Thomson, her mother was “scratched very slightly" by a puppy in February. Two weeks ago the woman got ill, starting with a headache which resulted in her losing her ability to walk, talk, sleep, and swallow, said the daughter.

Yvonne Ford, the 59-year-old from South Yorkshire, passed away on June 11, and the family “is still processing this unimaginable loss".

Sharing her ordeal, she asked people to be careful and take animal bites seriously. “We never thought something like this could happen to someone we love … vaccinate your pets and educate those around you," she concluded.

According to a report by the BBC, Yvonne Ford was at first admitted to Barnsley Hospital after returning to the UK and was later shifted to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. She took her last breath on June 11, and an investigation into the case is currently underway.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation.

How Does It Happen?

It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, mostly via bites or scratches—commonly from dogs, bats, or wild animals.

Symptoms Of Rabies

Early: Fever, headache, weakness, discomfort at the bite site

Later: Anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, fear of water (hydrophobia), paralysis

Can It Cause Death?

Yes. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, it is preventable if treated early with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – a series of rabies vaccines given after exposure.

Prevention:

Vaccinate pets

Avoid contact with stray or wild animals

Seek immediate medical care after potential exposure.

Location :

Morocco

First Published:

News world UK Woman, 59, Dies Of Rabies After Getting 'Scratched' By Stray Puppy