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Pathanamthitta, Kerala – July 10, 2025: An eleven-year-old girl from Kadakkad, Pandalam, died on Thursday at Kottayam Medical College Hospital, days after being scratched by a cat and undergoing treatment for a suspected rabies infection.
The deceased, Hanna Fathima, daughter of Ashraf, was a student at Thonnalloor Government School. According to local officials, Hanna received two doses of the anti-rabies vaccine following the incident. The first dose was administered after her school teachers noticed swelling on her neck and informed her parents, leading to her being taken to Pandalam General Hospital, where scratch marks were identified. The second dose was given four days prior to her death.
Shortly after returning home from the hospital, Hanna developed seizures and was rushed to Adoor Taluk Hospital before being referred to Kottayam Medical College Hospital. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring ventilator support. Despite initial stabilization, the infection reportedly affected her brain, and she passed away on Thursday morning.
Kadakkad ward member Sheffin Rejeeb Khan stated, “The exact cause of her death is still unknown. She did not show any symptoms of rabies. We can confirm it only after receiving the rabies test results,” adding that the results are expected on Friday. Notably, the cat involved in the incident remains alive at the family’s home.
Hanna’s father, Ashraf, works as a clothing vendor. The tragic incident has heightened concerns in Kerala, where rabies deaths—especially among children—have been reported in recent months, sometimes even after timely vaccination.
“I spoke to the Medical College Superintendent, and he said the child had a brain infection,” said Sheffin Rejeeb Khan.
Disclaimer:
The cause of Hanna Fathima’s death has not been officially confirmed as rabies. Confirmation awaits laboratory test results. The information reported here is based on statements from local officials and family members, and should not be interpreted as a definitive medical diagnosis.
