THE family of a Barnsley woman who died of rabies have urged others to take animal bites seriously in an emotional plea.

Following contact with a stray dog while on holiday in Morocco, 59-year-old Yvonne Ford was diagnosed at Barnsley Hospital, the Chronicle understands.

She was then treated at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield and died on June 11.

An inquest into her death opened at Sheffield Medico Legal Centre on Wednesday.

In a statement issued on social media, her daughter Robyn Thomson said: “Our family is still processing this unimaginable loss, but we are choosing to speak up in the hope of preventing this from happening to others.

“She was scratched very slightly by a puppy in Morocco in February.

“At the time, she did not think any harm would come of it and didn’t think much of it.

“Two weeks ago she became ill, starting with a headache and resulted in her losing her ability to walk, talk, sleep, swallow.

“We never thought something like this could happen to someone we love.

“Please take animal bites seriously, vaccinate your pets, and educate those around you.”

There is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case as there is no documented evidence of rabies passing between people, a spokesperson from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

However, as a precautionary measure, health workers and close contacts are being assessed and offered vaccination when necessary.

Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis added: “This is a truly tragic case.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to Yvonne’s family and friends at this most difficult of times - they are all in my thoughts.

“I am stood by to do whatever I can to help.”