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Tragic Lisa loses battle with rabies
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
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The family of the Belfast woman who died yesterday after contracting the rabies virus have paid tribute to her “inspiring courage” in fighting the illness.
Lisa McMurray had spent weeks in the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital after contracting the deadly disease.
She passed away at the hospital early yesterday evening.
The devoted animal lover is understood to have begun feeling unwell after she returned home from a visit abroad.
She was initially treated in the Ulster Hospital but was transferred to the Royal.
In a statement last night, Lisa's family said they were “devastated” by her death and paid tribute to her courage.
“We are extremely proud not only of all she achieved in life but also of the bravery with which she fought her illness,” they said.
“Her courage was inspiring and typical of the passionate and determined way in which she led her life.
“Her loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives and her family and friends will miss her terribly.”
The family also thanked the medical staff who helped to treat Lisa throughout her illness.
“Their skill and dedication has been a great source of comfort to us and they did everything possible to care for her,” they said.
“The sensitive way in which they cared not only for Lisa but for her family and friends has been exceptional and we are very grateful.
“Our thanks goes to all those whose thoughts and prayers have helped to sustain us over the past weeks.”
Lisa, who was aged in her 30s and was unmarried, had worked as a communications director with the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, but left to work for the Cats Protection Adoption Centre in Dundonald.
It is believed that she may have contracted the rabies virus more than two years ago, while volunteering at an animal sanctuary in South Africa. Doctors had been probing a theory that she may have become infected whilst separating two fighting dogs.
It is believed Lisa’s illness was the first recorded case of rabies in Northern Ireland for around 70 years.
While cases of rabies are rare in the UK, there are around 70,000 cases in humans in other parts of the world every year. The infection is most common in Africa and parts of Asia.
The disease affects the central nervous system, but can be prevented through a vaccination programme.
Humans generally suffer from a fever before slipping into a coma, but there is no risk of sufferers spreading the disease to others.
The Eastern Health and Social Services Board in Belfast led a multi-agency investigation into Lisa’s case and insisted the risk to the wider community was negligible as there is no documented case of human-to-human transmission of rabies anywhere in the world.
It said when she was diagnosed that Ms McMurray posed no threat to other patients in the hospital and that “all necessary steps on infection control were in place for the protection of staff”.
Infected dogs are the most common cause of human infection worldwide.
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i didnt know Lisa but by the sound of what I read I wish I had. she sounds such a compassionate woman.
My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Posted by Lin Harpur | 08.01.09, 12:57 GMT
I am very saddened by Lisa's death and my sympathy go to all her friends, family and everyone who knew her.
Posted by max tookey | 08.01.09, 11:29 GMT
My Deepest Sympathy to the Mc Murray Family . I have been reading and following the story since it happened ,and am very sad to read your news . Rob Australia
Posted by Robert | 08.01.09, 10:05 GMT
To one of my best friends, housemates, holiday partners and all round business mentors a friend could ask for.. it is hard to imagine a more caring, kind, warm, funny, sharp witted and intelligent girl who gave so much to humans, animals, businesses and organisations both at home in NI and abroad. Lisa will be sorely missed by many.
Posted by CATHY MARTIN | 07.01.09, 22:03 GMT
our sympathy and thoughts are with you at
this difficult time. We were watching the story of the american girl who was attacked by a rabid bat in her home town in America just last night. Lisa's story has touched us
immensly.
Yours sincerely,
Jade, Dakota, Lisa
Huntly, North Island,
New Zealand
Posted by Hart Family | 07.01.09, 21:51 GMT
One "positive" that could come out of Lisa's tragic death is greater awareness about rabies. Because the U.K. and Ireland are two of the very few countries in the world that are rabies free, we might not be as aware of how easy it might be to contract rabies when we travel abroad, including to the United States where I live and which is not rabies free.
Posted by Julia | 07.01.09, 17:06 GMT
I met Lisa in a work capacity - she always struck me as such a friendly person and although incredibly busy always had time to speak. A lady to her fingertips with a warm and positive outlook, she will be much missed and has done so much for Belfast. My sympathy to her family and friends who should feel justifiably proud of her.
Posted by Paddi Roberts | 07.01.09, 17:04 GMT
Why is it that the good people in life are taken from us so tragically when the low-life seem to survive and prosper?
The personal qualities this girl had are so rare and people like her are so few and far between.
Things like this make you question your faith.
Posted by Animal Lover | 07.01.09, 16:25 GMT
Bless you Lisa. You were a real little ray of sunshine, and it was a delight and a privilege to know you.
My heartfelt condolences to your family.
Annie
Posted by Annie | 07.01.09, 16:13 GMT
Deepest Sympathy to the McMurray family on the loss of Lisa.
I was at school with her from P1 right through to Upper Sixth and am proud to have known her.
She will be sadly missed by all who were lucky enough to meet her throughout her all too short life.
Love from Helen
Posted by Helen Gillespie Wilkinson | 07.01.09, 15:18 GMT
Very saddened to hear that this caring young woman had passed away. Deepest sympathy to her family.
Posted by joanna mulgrew | 07.01.09, 14:05 GMT
How utterly tragic. My thoughts are with her family. RIP Lisa.
Posted by Karyn | 07.01.09, 00:41 GMT