Rare Fatality and Health Response
Yvonne Ford, a 59-year-old from , died from rabies after being scratched by a stray dog in , marking a rare case of the disease in the .
The (UKHSA) is assessing health workers and close contacts of Ford for potential vaccination, emphasizing the low risk of rabies transmission between humans.
Public Awareness and Prevention
Ford's daughter, Robyn Thomson, shared the family's experience on Facebook, urging the public to take animal bites seriously and vaccinate pets.
Rabies, almost always fatal after symptom onset, can be prevented with prompt medical treatment following exposure to infected animals. The UKHSA advises immediate wound care and seeking medical advice in case of bites or scratches in rabies-endemic areas.