Briton dies from rabies after 'scratch' from stray puppy in Morocco

Briton dies from rabies after 'scratch' from stray puppy in Morocco

A tragic incident has occurred in which a British woman from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, passed away from rabies after being “scratched” by a puppy while on holiday in Morocco. Yvonne Ford had minimal contact with a stray dog during her trip to North Africa back in February. According to her family, Mrs. Ford began experiencing a headache two weeks prior to her passing and eventually lost the ability to walk, talk, sleep, and swallow.

Upon her return to the UK, Mrs. Ford was promptly treated at Barnsley Hospital. Her daughter, Robyn Thomson, expressed the family’s devastation in a heartfelt Facebook post, revealing that the slight scratch from the puppy in Morocco ultimately led to her mother’s tragic decline in health. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has assured that there is no risk posed to the public as there is no documented evidence of rabies transmission between individuals.

Rabies is a severe infection that targets the brain and nervous system of humans and is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. While it is often fatal, post-exposure treatment can be highly effective if administered promptly after exposure to the virus. Dr. Katherine Russell from the UKHSA emphasized the importance of taking animal bites seriously and urged individuals to vaccinate their pets and educate those around them on the risks of rabies.

The UKHSA reported six cases of human rabies linked to animal exposure overseas between 2000 and 2024. Regions like Asia and Africa are known to have higher incidences of rabies, with travelers advised to avoid contact with animals in affected countries. It is crucial for individuals to seek guidance on the necessity of a rabies vaccine before embarking on travels to these regions to safeguard against potential risks

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