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Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala:
In a distressing repeat of recent events, a seven-year-old girl from Kollam, Kerala, is fighting for her life after contracting rabies despite receiving the full course of anti-rabies treatment. The incident comes just five days after a similar case in which a six-year-old girl from Malappuram district succumbed to rabies, raising concerns and questions about the effectiveness of current rabies prevention protocols.
Details of the Incident
According to the child’s mother, the seven-year-old was attacked by a stray dog on April 8. Immediate medical attention was sought, and the child was administered both the anti-rabies serum (ARS) and the intradermal rabies vaccine (IDRV) as per standard protocol. The mother reported, “There was only one more dose left to be taken, as she got a fever at that time. We then took her to the Taluk hospital and from there to the SAT hospital in the state capital city, where she is now admitted and is serious, according to the doctors. We do not know why this happened as we had adhered to all that the doctors advised us.”
Recent Similar Cases
This case follows closely on the heels of the tragic death of a six-year-old girl in Malappuram district, who was bitten by a stray dog on March 29. Despite receiving both ARS and IDRV and battling for her life, she passed away on April 28. Notably, the same dog had bitten seven other individuals, all of whom recovered after treatment.
Rising Concerns and Government Response
According to the Kerala Health Directorate, there have been 102 rabies deaths in the state over the past five years, with 19% of the deceased having received both ARS and IDRV. This statistic has sparked public outcry and concern over the effectiveness of the current vaccination and treatment protocols.
In response to these incidents, the Kerala government established a committee in 2022 to investigate the deaths occurring despite adherence to vaccination guidelines. The committee found that many fatal cases involved bites to critical areas such as the neck, face, and head. After thorough testing, the committee confirmed that the ARS and IDRV vaccines used in the state adhered to all accepted standards.
The Way Forward
The recent cases have intensified the debate over stray dog management and rabies prevention in Kerala. Health experts continue to emphasize the importance of immediate and comprehensive medical care following animal bites, particularly in vulnerable areas of the body. The government is expected to review and possibly strengthen existing protocols to prevent further tragedies.
Disclaimer
This news article is based on information reported by The Hans India and official statements from the Kerala Health Directorate. The details provided are for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. For any concerns regarding rabies exposure or vaccination, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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