A six-year-old girl in Malappuram district, Kerala, was attacked by a stray dog a month ago. Despite receiving the rabies vaccine, she succumbed to rabies on Tuesday.
Kerala: A tragic incident from Malappuram district has sent shockwaves. A six-year-old girl died from rabies after a dog bite, even after receiving timely vaccination. This raises several questions—can rabies be fatal even after vaccination? Where was the lapse in treatment? And most importantly, what should be done immediately after a dog bite?
What happened to the innocent child?
This tragic incident occurred in Peruvalloor village, Malappuram district, Kerala. Six-year-old Jiya Faris was buying sweets from a nearby shop when a stray dog attacked her. The dog severely bit her head, face, and legs, inflicting deep wounds.
Fearing the worst, her family immediately rushed her to Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. Doctors administered the rabies vaccine and necessary medication. After treatment, her condition improved, and she was discharged. However, her health deteriorated a few days later. She developed a high fever and gradually became sicker. It was then that her family realized she had rabies.
Rabies confirmed in subsequent tests
When the child developed a fever, the family took her back to the doctor. Tests revealed she had rabies. This shocked the family, as she had already received the rabies vaccine. She was immediately hospitalized and admitted to the ICU.
Doctors explained that the deep wound on her head allowed the virus to reach her brain directly. The head injury was severe, accelerating the spread of the rabies virus and reducing the vaccine's effectiveness. Despite treatment, her condition continued to worsen. Finally, on April 23rd, the child passed away.
This incident highlights that after a dog bite, vaccination alone is insufficient; proper wound care and regular checkups are crucial.
What did the doctors say?
Hospital doctors stated that while the child received the rabies vaccine on time, the problem was that she was bitten on highly sensitive areas like the head and face. According to doctors, when a wound is in a location with close proximity to the brain, infection reaches the brain very quickly.
In such situations, the vaccine sometimes proves ineffective. This is why, despite timely treatment and vaccination, the child's life could not be saved. Doctors also emphasized that in such cases, vaccination alone is not enough; proper wound care and constant monitoring are essential.
What to do after a dog bite?
Dog bites are common, but this seemingly minor incident can sometimes be fatal. The recent death of the six-year-old girl in Kerala is a tragic example. Despite timely rabies vaccination, she died because the wound was on a sensitive area (the head), allowing rapid infection spread to the brain. Therefore, taking such cases lightly can be dangerous.
- Clean the wound immediately: Immediately clean the bite area. Wash it with running water and soap for at least 10-15 minutes. This reduces the virus count and the risk of infection.
- See a doctor immediately: Do not use any home remedies after a dog bite. Go directly to a doctor. The doctor will assess the wound's depth and location and administer the rabies vaccine or other necessary medications accordingly.
- Complete the full dose of the vaccine: A single injection is insufficient to prevent rabies. A specific dose is required, and timely administration is crucial. Missing a dose reduces the vaccine's effectiveness and increases the risk of disease.
- Administer RIG if the wound is severe: If the dog has bitten sensitive areas like the head, face, or neck, the doctor may administer 'Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)'. This prevents the virus from spreading and acts quickly.
- Get a complete body checkup: Especially with children, conduct a full body checkup after a dog bite. Sometimes, wounds are in locations not immediately visible, leading to incomplete treatment.
- Monitor for symptoms: If symptoms like fever, confusion, headache, or weakness appear even after vaccination, don't ignore them. Contact a doctor immediately, as these could be early signs of rabies.
Essential points for rabies prevention
Rabies is a dangerous disease primarily spread through dog bites. When an infected dog bites a human, the virus in its saliva enters the body. This virus directly affects the nervous system. If not treated promptly, it can be fatal.
The most dangerous aspect of rabies is that once symptoms appear, treatment becomes very difficult. Therefore, it is crucial to take immediate action after a dog bite. Wash the wound immediately with soap and water, and get a rabies vaccine from a doctor. It's crucial to complete the entire dose to protect the body from the virus.
Is rabies prevention possible?
Yes, rabies is entirely preventable with timely treatment. After a dog bite, thoroughly wash the wound and get a rabies vaccine from a doctor. This treatment is essential because rabies is a serious disease that can progress rapidly. Follow the doctor's advice throughout the treatment process.
Vigilance and awareness are paramount. If you or someone you know is bitten by a dog, seek medical attention immediately. This is the best way to protect your life.
Rabies is treatable until symptoms manifest. Jiya's death serves as a warning: never underestimate a dog bite. Whether the wound is small or large, proper treatment and timely vaccination can save your life and your children's lives.
