Overview

• Yvonne Ford, 59, from Barnsley was scratched by a puppy in Morocco in February and died on June 11 after developing rabies symptoms in early June
• UK Health Security Agency investigations confirm no threat to the general public and are tracing those who had close contact with Ford since her return
• Rabies incubation can span from three weeks to several months, with early signs such as headache and fever progressing rapidly to paralysis and respiratory failure
• Health officials advise that travellers to North Africa, Asia, and Central and South America consider pre-exposure vaccination and steer clear of contact with dogs and other mammals
• Immediate wound washing with soap and water followed by prompt post-exposure vaccination and immunoglobulin is nearly 100% effective at preventing rabies if given before symptoms appear