Dog-bite deaths: DHS report blames delay in seeking care

An inquiry conducted by the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) says that delays in providing care, a dearth of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) at local primary health facilities, and a lack of awareness about pet immunization likely contributed to the recent post-vaccination deaths of three young victims of dog bites in Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, and Kollam.

- Shainu Mohan @T'Puram

The directorate submitted its findings to the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which had sought a report based on a petition filed by Kulathur Jaising, a High Court lawyer and public activist.

"All the children sustained severe, deep category 3 injuries to highly innervated areas such as the head and neck region and upper limb, resulting in direct inoculation of the virus into the nerves, thus rendering the administered immunoglobulin and vaccine ineffective," the DHS report said.

It underscored delayed access to tertiary care—often due to far-flung health facilities—and the non-availability of RIG at local primary health centers (PHCs) as major systemic gaps needing urgent redressal.

The investigation into the incidents looked at different aspects, including the nature of the animal bite, timeliness of interventions, adherence to standard protocols, the vaccine cold chain, administration techniques, trained staff, and public awareness regarding prophylaxis against rabies.