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Kerala Probes Rabies Vaccine Failures After Third Child Death in a Month

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has launched an investigation into vaccine protocols as three children succumb to rabies despite receiving post-bite treatment.

As per the figures shared by the state health department, there have been 22 deaths due to rabies despite receiving vaccine in the state since 2021. (AFP)
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Overview

  • Seven-year-old Niya Faisal from Kollam district died of rabies on May 5 despite receiving anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin after a stray dog bite in April.
  • This marks the third child death in Kerala within a month due to rabies infection despite prescribed post-exposure treatment, raising concerns over vaccine efficacy and treatment protocols.
  • The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has ordered a medical investigation into vaccination procedures, including storage and administration protocols.
  • Kerala recorded 3.17 lakh dog-bite treatments in 2024, with experts linking deep bites in nerve-dense areas to vaccine failures in some cases.
  • State leaders are urging amendments to Central Animal Birth Control rules to improve stray dog sterilisation and address the growing public health risk.