Family Shares Tragic Story to Raise Awareness of Rabies

A family from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, is sharing their heartbreaking experience after the tragic death of Yvonne Ford, 59, who contracted rabies from a dog scratch while on holiday in Morocco. Her husband, Ron Ford, recounted the “horrendous” symptoms she endured during her final days, emphasizing the need for increased awareness about rabies.

While enjoying her vacation, Yvonne was scratched by a stray puppy. Initially, the scratch did not seem serious, and she and her husband opted not to seek medical attention. Four months later, in May 2023, Yvonne developed an “unbearable” headache and was admitted to Barnsley Hospital. Within days, her condition deteriorated rapidly. She lost her ability to walk, talk, and swallow, and started experiencing hallucinations.

After being transferred to Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, Yvonne was placed in a coma as her family learned she had contracted rabies. Sadly, she passed away shortly after the diagnosis.

During an emotional interview on ITV’s This Morning, Ron Ford described his wife’s painful journey. Their daughter, Robyn Ford, recounted how the family returned from Florida on May 23, 2023, and shortly thereafter went on a fishing trip, during which her mother began to show alarming symptoms. Robyn noted that Yvonne’s health declined drastically within five days. “She just deteriorated within five days,” she stated.

Doctors opted to induce a coma due to Yvonne’s inability to swallow and the risk of choking. Her family was informed that life support would need to be turned off after the diagnosis. In light of their tragic loss, the Ford family is now determined to raise awareness about rabies to prevent similar situations from occurring.

Robyn has launched a GoFundMe appeal, which has raised almost £2,500 towards a target of £4,000. The funds will support efforts by Mission Rabies, a charity under Worldwide Veterinary Service, which aims to vaccinate dogs and eliminate rabies at its source in areas across Asia and Africa. Their goal is to vaccinate at least 70% of dogs to achieve herd immunity against the virus.

Rabies remains a significant risk in parts of Asia and Africa, despite being nearly eradicated in the UK. The virus can be transmitted through scratches or bites from infected animals and can remain dormant for one to three months. Once symptoms manifest, rabies is nearly always fatal.

Dr. Nighat Arif, appearing on This Morning, emphasized the importance of immediate action after a potential exposure. She advised that any scratch should be cleaned with soap and water and stressed that individuals should seek medical attention promptly, as rabies can also be contracted from animal saliva.

In a poignant message, Yvonne’s son, Adam Ford, urged people to take precautions. “We don’t want anyone to go through what we’ve gone through,” he said. “If we can get the awareness out, just check, check, check, contact your doctor. Get the injections. That’s all we want.” Their experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with rabies and the importance of preventive measures.