Madhya Pradesh: 6-year-old child dies of rabies after 25 days of dog bite despite vaccination in Datia
Datia child succumbs to rabies weeks after dog bite as doctors flag deep head injuries (Image: Dall-E)
On 8th February, a 6-year-old boy died 25 days after being bitten by a stray dog in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh. Reportedly, the child did not survive despite receiving multiple doses of the anti-rabies vaccine. According to media reports, doctors suspect that deep bite injuries on the child’s head and neck allowed the rabies virus to reach his brain rapidly, resulting in his death. The incident took place in the Sapa Pahad area of Datia.
Brutal attack outside home
The deceased child has been identified as Hans Prajapati. He was playing outside his house on 13th January when a stray dog attacked him. The dog bit his head, neck and hands. A neighbour, Seema Kushwaja, rushed to his rescue after hearing his screams and managed to chase the dog away. The child was bleeding heavily and was rushed to the district hospital immediately by his family.
Vaccinated, but condition deteriorated
At the hospital, doctors administered anti-rabies vaccine shots, a tetanus injection, and rabies immunoglobulin. The second dose was given on 16th January and the third on 20th January, with the final dose scheduled for 10th February.
However, on 6th February, four days before the final dose, Hans developed severe symptoms. After returning from school, he complained of a severe headache and excessive salivation. His condition deteriorated rapidly and he was rushed to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit before being referred to Gwalior and later Jhansi. He died on the night of 8th February.
Hans’s grandfather said doctors advised all family members to get vaccinated due to close contact. The child’s uncle said that the hospital delayed proper treatment and referral when symptoms appeared.
Residents flag stray dog menace
Local residents blamed unchecked stray dogs in the area and accused the municipality of inaction despite repeated complaints. Datia Collector Swapnil Ban said vaccines were administered and the exact cause of death would be known after the post mortem, adding that an inquiry would be conducted.
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