KISHTWAR, Feb 5 – A seven-year-old boy from Ranote, Kencha, succumbed to rabies on Wednesday after being bitten by a dog nearly six weeks ago in Village Shanderi, Tehsil Drabshalla, according to health officials.
The child’s guardians reportedly failed to seek immediate medical attention, leading to the onset of rabies, a fatal viral disease. He was brought to Thathri Hospital on February 4, where a casualty medical officer diagnosed him with a confirmed case of rabies.
“The boy was admitted to the emergency ward of CHC Thathri. His primary contacts were advised to take the anti-rabies vaccine, but they initially refused and left against medical advice,” said Dr. Versha Sharma, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Thathri, in a statement issued to The Chenab Times.
Health officials later traced the patient and referred him to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for further management. He was subsequently referred to GMC Jammu for advanced treatment. Despite efforts, the child did not survive.
Following the incident, 18 primary contacts received anti-rabies vaccinations on February 5. Authorities disinfected the emergency ward and surrounding areas with sodium hypochlorite as a precautionary measure. A medical team has been formed to trace and assess individuals who had contact with the patient.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent the disease. Health officials have urged the public to seek immediate medical attention after an animal bite.
Raja Shakeel is a journalist associated with The Chenab Times. Read More.