The British woman who died recently from rabies contracted the disease during a trip to Morocco.

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As reported by the BBC, Yvonne Ford was travelling in Morocco in February when she was accidentally scratched by a dog. She did not attribute much significance to the minor injury, but it later turned out to be a fatal mistake. Two weeks before her death, she developed symptoms of the disease. At first it was just a headache, then her condition rapidly deteriorated.

She lost her ability to speak, move and swallow and suffered from sleep problems. She died on 11 June.

A small scratch from a rabid dog proved fatal

Rabies is transmitted from animal to human

The UK Health Protection Agency (UKHSA) has stressed that there is no public health risk as there is no documented evidence that rabies can be transmitted from human to human. However, as a precautionary measure, close contacts of the victim and health workers are being tested and offered vaccination if necessary.

According to statistics, between 2000 and 2024, there were a total of six cases of rabies contracted in the UK by citizens due to contact with animals while abroad.

Rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs, but strongly recommended for outdoor cats.

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