Kerala: Woman attacked by dog dies of rabies despite vaccination
What's the story
A 65-year-old woman died of rabies at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam, Kerala, on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Karkunnil Krishnamma from Omallur panchayat. She was bitten by a stray dog on September 4 while waiting at a bus stop. After the incident, she was first taken to Pathanamthitta General Hospital and then shifted to Kottayam Medical College for treatment, where her condition deteriorated and she eventually passed away.
Investigation underway
Health department launches investigation into incident
The Health Department has launched an investigation into the incident to see if the stray dog that attacked Krishnamma had bitten anyone else. Officials said rabies spreads at a rate of around 3mm per hour, making bites above the neck particularly dangerous. "In such cases, the effect of vaccination tends to be limited," an official said. The effectiveness of vaccines also depends on individual health conditions.
Vaccination drive
3,249 stray dogs vaccinated against rabies this year
Data from the District Animal Husbandry department revealed that 3,249 stray dogs were vaccinated against rabies between January and September this year. September alone saw 1,290 vaccinations. An official said, "This drive is being carried out with the support of funds from local bodies." They added that if the current pace continues, rabies among stray dogs can be controlled soon.
Public health issue
Public health concern in Kerala
The rise in rabies cases has been a major public health concern in Kerala. In July, an 11-year-old girl from Kadakkad died of rabies after being scratched by her pet cat. Officials also blamed the increase in the stray dog population on indiscriminate waste dumping in public places. The state continues to work toward controlling the rabies virus through vaccination drives and public awareness campaigns.