Family Wore Full Protective Gear During Grandmother's Rabies Death, Inquest Hears
The family of Yvonne Ford, a 59-year-old grandmother from Barnsley, were forced to wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, visors, and aprons, as they witnessed her final moments dying from rabies in a hospital. This distressing detail emerged during an inquest held in Sheffield, which detailed the tragic sequence of events following a minor scratch from a stray dog while on holiday in Morocco.
Timeline of a Tragic Infection
On February 12, 2025, Mrs. Ford was scratched by a dog that had been lying under her sun lounger in Morocco. The injury was described as very minor with no evident bleeding, and she initially wiped it down with a wet wipe. However, by June 2, 2025, she began exhibiting severe symptoms, including hallucinations, disorientation, and high anxiety, leading to her admission to Barnsley Hospital.
Doctors initially struggled to diagnose her condition, even suspecting a mental health breakdown. It was only after a psychiatrist raised concerns about rabies that she was transferred to an infectious disease unit at Sheffield Royal Hallamshire Hospital. There, she was diagnosed with rabies, a disease that is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, and her family was informed that recovery was impossible.
Heartbreaking Final Moments and Family's Plea
Her daughter, Robyn Thomson, described the ordeal as "extremely traumatic," noting that the family had to watch her deteriorate "in real time without explanation and with growing fear." Despite the protective gear, they held her hand during her final breaths. Mrs. Ford exhibited hydrophobia, spitting out saliva every five to 10 seconds and refusing to drink, despite efforts to hydrate her with a syringe.
In a statement, Ms. Thomson emphasized that her mother was a "loving, active, and devoted family woman," and urged the public to seek urgent medical advice if scratched or bitten by an animal abroad to prevent similar tragedies. She expressed determination that Yvonne's death would not be without meaning, calling for increased awareness about rabies risks.
Rarity of Rabies in the UK and Broader Implications
Rabies is extremely rare in the UK, with only 26 cases reported since 1946. The inquest highlighted the critical need for prompt medical intervention in such scenarios, as delays can lead to fatal outcomes. The family also raised concerns about the level of dignity and respect in Mrs. Ford's treatment, underscoring the emotional and psychological toll on loved ones.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by animal encounters in regions where rabies is more prevalent, urging travelers to take precautions and seek immediate care for any injuries.
