Coroner Calls for Review of Travel History Reporting After Rabies Death
A coroner has urged changes to the travel history information that patients must provide to doctors, following the death of a woman from rabies.
Yvonne Ford, 59, died four months after contracting the fatal disease when she was scratched by a puppy in Morocco in February 2025.
Ford, from Barnsley, was admitted to hospital in June exhibiting symptoms including severe headaches, nausea, and mobility difficulties, but her diagnosis was only confirmed after a psychiatrist inquired about her travel history.
After jurors returned a narrative conclusion noting that the rarity of the disease contributed to challenges in diagnosis, coroner Marilyn Whittle stated she would write to the government recommending a review of the current 21-day notification period.
Challenges in Diagnosis at Barnsley Hospital
The inquest held in Sheffield revealed that medical staff at Barnsley Hospital struggled to diagnose Ford's condition due to limited exposure to rabies cases, which are extremely rare in the UK. Initial suspicions included Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness, or a mental health episode.
Eventually, Ford's family was asked about her travel history, and information from her husband Ronald regarding the dog scratch prompted doctors to investigate rabies.
Ford passed away at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. An expert witness informed the hearing that rabies is invariably fatal once symptoms develop.
Coroner Whittle indicated she would seek additional information before deciding whether to issue a Prevention of Future Deaths order.
Details of the Dog Scratch and Family Statements
The jury was informed that Ford and her family were not initially concerned about the dog scratch because it did not break the skin, and she cleaned the area with a wet wipe.
Her daughter, Robyn Thomson, emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the need for urgent medical treatment if scratched or bitten by an animal abroad, as only immediate intervention can prevent rabies from developing.
Timeline of Symptoms and Hospital Admission
Ford presented at hospital on 2 June complaining of severe headaches, nausea, mobility problems, and disorientation. Her symptoms had begun in late May.
By the time of her death, she was refusing to drink despite efforts to hydrate her, a sign of hydrophobia, a fear of water commonly associated with rabies cases.
She was transferred to an infectious diseases unit on 11 June after medical staff at Barnsley Hospital learned about the dog scratch.
Psychiatrist Dr Alexander Burns, who was considering Lyme disease, asked the family about foreign travel and noted that staff had not been informed about the Morocco incident prior to this.
Dr Burns had never encountered a rabies case before and had to research the symptoms.
Expert Insights and Rabies Statistics
Dr Katherine Cartwright, an expert from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, told the jury that there have been only 26 rabies cases in the UK since 1946.
She explained that rabies has been eliminated from the UK but many countries remain high risk.
Dr Cartwright added that symptoms typically begin within four weeks of exposure but can take up to three months to appear.
Previous GP Visits and Family Reflections
Ford had also visited her GP in March and April complaining of feeling unwell and insect bites.
Her son, Adam Ford, said:
"As a family, we feel a deep responsibility to raise awareness about rabies in the hope that greater understanding can help prevent further tragedies.
No family should have to witness the rapid deterioration of someone they love, as we did."
He described her as a "loving mother, a loving wife and a fantastic grandmother".
"She was a glue to our family really. She's left a massive hole within our family and friends," he added.
Jury Conclusion and Family Experience
The jury concluded:
"The rarity of the disease and unusual presentation led to a difficulty in reaching a diagnosis but this did not affect the outcome."
Earlier, the Ford family told the inquest that their wife and mother's deterioration had been "traumatic" and that they had to wear PPE when spending her final hours at her bedside.
They were informed upon her arrival at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital that she would not recover.
Hospital Statement and Public Information
A spokesperson for Barnsley Hospital said:
"Our thoughts are with Yvonne's family following the sad loss of a loved family member in such unusual circumstances.
Yvonne tragically died from rabies following contact with a dog in Morocco – an infection that is extremely rare in the UK. We welcome ongoing discussions with Yvonne's family about all aspects of her care.
For general information about rabies, see the NHS website or the UKHSA leaflet on rabies risks for travellers."
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