“I think the doctors did their best,” Dr Cartwright said, adding it was “not unreasonable” for rabies to not be considered in the first few days.
In 100 cases of rabies in America since 2000, half were only diagnosed post-mortem, she said.
She told the jury symptoms typically begin within four weeks of exposure but it can take up to three months and, in some cases, even years.
Hydrophobia – the fear of water – is one symptom which is specific to rabies and which Ford seemed to exhibit, with her being unwilling to drink and spitting to get rid of the saliva in her mouth, the inquest heard.
Dr Cartwright said this reaction was mild compared with many documented cases in which patients become violent when water is brought anywhere near to them.
She added that Ford showed symptoms of both types of rabies – encephalitis and flaccid – which was unusual.
Assistant coroner Marilyn Whittle said the inquest would consider Ford’s visits to emergency departments in Barnsley and Wakefield and to her GP, in March and April, when she was feeling unwell and complaining about insect bites.
The inquest is due to last for four days.
