Telangana: 3-Year-Old Dies of Rabies After Dog Bite

Hyderabad: A three-year-old boy died on Saturday after being bitten by a dog nearly two months ago and not receiving an anti-rabies vaccine in Thungur, Beerpur.

According to Beerpur sub-inspector Gowtham, the boy was bitten by a stray dog on July 5 while playing outside his house. He ran to escape the dog but accidentally fell into a drainage ditch. Locals alerted the family, who rushed to the spot, rescued the child and administered basic first aid.

“The boy’s parents had not seen the dog chasing him and assumed the bite injuries were caused by the fall into the ditch,” the SI said.

On August 27, when the rain began, the boy developed symptoms such as frothing at the mouth, sticking out his tongue, and hydrophobia (fear of water). The family took him to Jagtial Government Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had contracted rabies and advised them to shift him to Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad.

On Saturday morning, while the family was travelling to the city, the boy died near Siddipet. His body was shifted to Siddipet Government Hospital, where doctors declared him “brought dead.”

The body was later moved to the mortuary for post-mortem examination. A case was registered with Beerpur police, and further investigation is underway. The boy’s body was handed over to his family for the final rites.

Rabies symptoms develop in one to three months after being bitten by an infected animal. Prompt medical treatment can prevent rabies. In this case, the parents were unaware that their child had been bitten by the dog.

Incidentally, experts emphasise that rabies is 100 per cent preventable with prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes thorough wound washing, vaccination, and proper follow-up at the nearest hospital.

This tragedy is part of a larger, growing concern over dog bites. In the past three years (2021–24), the state recorded over 3.3 lakh dog bite cases and 36 suspected rabies-related deaths, according to data submitted by GHMC in an affidavit before the High Court. On average, 300 dog bite cases are reported across the state every day, of which 100 are from Greater Hyderabad alone.

A survey by GHMC and an NGO revealed that 20 per cent of the estimated 3.9 lakh stray dogs — about 75,000 — remain unsterilised. Officials noted that stray dog attacks disproportionately affect vulnerable sections of society, including pedestrians, cyclists, and children.

As dog bite cases have nearly doubled in recent years, about 80 per cent of hospitals have been found lacking a crucial drug for treating high-risk Grade 3 dog bites — Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG). Health experts have repeatedly stressed that without RIG, even the vaccine alone may fail to work effectively.

RIG is essential in the case of Grade 3 bites, as it acts as an immediate neutraliser, preventing the virus from entering the nervous system and causing rabies.

Dog bite alarm in Telangana (2021–2024):

3.3 lakh dog bite cases reported in three years

36 suspected rabies-related deaths

300 dog bite cases daily across the state

100 dog bite cases daily in Greater Hyderabad alone

75,000 stray dogs unsterilised (20% of estimated 3.9 lakh)

80% of hospitals lack Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)

What to do if a dog bites you:

Wash immediately: Clean the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.

Apply antiseptic: Use iodine or Dettol; leave the wound uncovered for medical assessment.

Seek medical help without delay: Visit the nearest hospital or health centre.

Get vaccinated and request RIG if required

Start anti-rabies vaccine (PEP) immediately.

For deep or high-risk bites (Grade 3), ask for Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG).

Avoid home remedies: Do not apply chilli, turmeric, lime, or attempt to suck out the bite.

Report the dog: Inform GHMC or local municipal authorities. If it’s a pet, check its vaccination records.