A 59-year-old woman from Barnsley, UK, named Yvonne Ford, sadly died after getting infected with rabies from a small scratch caused by a stray puppy during her vacation in Morocco last year.
The incident happened in February 2025. Yvonne thought the scratch was not serious and didn’t get any treatment at that time. However, in early June, she began showing serious symptoms like headaches, difficulty speaking, swallowing, sleeping, and eventually paralysis.
She was taken to a hospital in the UK but could not be saved. She died on June 11. This is the first UK case of travel-related rabies death since 2018.
Rabies is a deadly virus spread mostly through bites or scratches from infected animals. Once symptoms begin, it is almost always fatal. However, rabies can be completely prevented if treated early with vaccines.
UK health officials say there is no danger to the public, but people who had contact with Yvonne, including medical staff, are being given rabies vaccines just in case.
Dr. Katherine Russell from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said, “This is a very sad case and a strong reminder that rabies is still a danger in many parts of the world. If you get bitten, scratched, or even licked by an animal in a place where rabies exists, wash the area well and get medical help immediately.”
Rabies is common in many parts of Asia and Africa, including Morocco. The World Health Organization says rabies kills around 59,000 people every year, and 99% of cases are caused by dog bites.
This case is similar to one in 2018, when another British traveler died after being bitten by a rabid cat in Morocco. Since 2000, all rabies deaths in the UK have happened after people were infected while traveling abroad.
Health Tips for Travelers to Rabies-Risk Areas:
- Stay away from stray or wild animals – Do not touch unknown dogs, cats, or other animals while traveling.
- Vaccinate pets – Make sure your pets are up to date on rabies shots, especially if traveling.
- Clean wounds immediately – Wash any animal bite or scratch with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
- Get vaccinated – If you plan to work with animals or stay in rural areas, consider getting a rabies vaccine before your trip.
- After exposure – If bitten or scratched:
- Clean the wound right away
- Get a shot of rabies immune globulin
- Start the rabies vaccine series (4 doses for those not vaccinated before, 2 doses if already vaccinated)
Remember: Rabies is preventable, but once symptoms start, it’s usually too late. Take animal scratches seriously, especially when traveling abroad.
