Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 12: A probe by the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has revealed that delayed treatment, shortage of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) at primary health centres, and lack of awareness on pet immunisation were key factors behind the recent rabies deaths of three children in Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, and Kollam.

The findings were submitted to the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights following a petition filed by High Court advocate and public activist Kulathur Jaising.

According to the report, all three children had sustained severe category 3 dog bite injuries to highly sensitive areas like the head, neck, and upper limbs, which led to direct inoculation of the rabies virus into nerves. This rendered post-bite vaccines and immunoglobulin ineffective, the DHS observed.

The report also highlighted systemic gaps such as delayed access to tertiary care due to remote health facilities, and unavailability of RIG at local PHCs, calling for urgent corrective measures.

The inquiry covered multiple angles including the nature of the bites, timing of medical response, adherence to protocol, vaccine storage and administration, training of staff, and public awareness on rabies prevention.