Back-to-Back Rabies Deaths Cause Concern in Kerala
Experts noted that all the children had sustained deep injuries to their heads, faces and hands. In such cases, the likelihood of the dog's saliva coming into contact with the victims' nerves is considerably higher.
Thiruvananthapuram: The death of three children in Kerala who had received anti-rabies vaccinations following stray dog bites have raised serious concerns in the state.
These tragic incidents have sparked questions about the effectiveness of the anti-rabies vaccine and the treatment protocol in place. However, health authorities assert that the vaccines are effective. They suggest that the children's deaths may have been caused by the severe bites, which were close to major veins.
Niya Faisal, from Kollam district, died at the SAT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. She had been attacked by a stray dog near her home on April 8. Despite receiving multiple doses of anti-rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin, she developed a fever and was later diagnosed with rabies.
According to doctors, the rabid dog bite had ruptured a vein, leading to her worsening condition despite timely medical intervention. Niya's mother expressed her anguish, stating, "The dogs that attacked my daughter came to eat food waste left on the road. We have been pleading with people not to dump waste there, but nobody listened. Now I have lost my daughter."
Earlier, six year old Siya Faris died at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital after being bitten by a stray dog. Her parents reported that she initially received treatment at a taluk hospital before being transferred to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, where she too was given the anti-rabies vaccine.
In a similar case, another five-year-old girl who had been vaccinated also succumbed to rabies.
Experts noted that all the children had sustained deep injuries to their heads, faces and hands. In such cases, the likelihood of the dog's saliva coming into contact with the victims' nerves is considerably higher.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader in the Kerala assembly, V D Satheeshan, criticised the government for failing to effectively address rabies cases in the state. He expressed serious concerns over these three deaths from rabies and challenged the claims made by Health Minister Veena George regarding the efficacy of the anti-rabies vaccine. He called for a thorough investigation into the effectiveness of the anti-rabies vaccine currently being used in Kerala.