What began as an idyllic North African getaway ended in unimaginable tragedy for Yvonne Ford, a 59-year-old British tourist whose death from rabies has cast a shadow over Europe’s favorite winter sun destinations.
During a February trip to Morocco, Ford had a seemingly minor encounter with a stray dog.
The animal scratched her—no bite, no bleeding, no immediate concern. Dismissing it as inconsequential, she returned to the UK without seeking medical attention. But weeks later, she began to experience unusual symptoms: slurred speech, muscle weakness, and coordination difficulties.
Doctors quickly identified the cause: rabies, a viral infection that, though almost unheard of in Europe today, remains active in parts of the world where animal vaccination is not universal.
Despite emergency treatment, it was too late.
Yvonne Ford died on June 11, 2025. Her daughter, Robyn Thomson, shared the devastating timeline of events in a moving post on social media, warning other travellers of the dangers.
Rabies, often thought of as a disease of the past, is still present in regions where stray animals roam and vaccine coverage is inconsistent.
What makes the virus especially dangerous is that it can be transmitted even by a scratch, or through saliva contacting a cut or mucous membrane.
Once symptoms appear, the infection is almost always fatal. The key to survival lies in immediate post-exposure prophylaxis, something Ford tragically never received.
While Morocco and other Maghreb nations continue to attract millions of European tourists each year with their vibrant cities, sun-soaked beaches, and rich cultural heritage, this case is a sobering reminder of the unseen health risks that can come with travel.
“The disease is so rare in Europe that many people are unaware of the risks abroad, particularly in rural or underdeveloped areas where contact with unvaccinated animals is more likely,” noted a health adviser familiar with the case.
Yvonne Ford’s death has prompted questions about whether tourists are given adequate health guidance before traveling, and if local authorities are doing enough to control stray animals and raise awareness about disease prevention.
Her story is more than a tragedy—it is a call for vigilance.
In seeking escape and adventure, travellers must also remain alert to the hidden dangers that respect neither borders nor intentions.
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