A tragic wave of rabies-related deaths has shaken Kerala, with a third child succumbing to the disease in just one month despite receiving post-exposure vaccination. The latest victim, 7-year-old Niya Faisal from Kunnicode in Kollam district, died on Monday at the Sree Avittom Thirunal (SAT) Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram after testing positive for the virus.
Niya had been on ventilator support for several days before her death. Her grieving mother, in an emotional statement while shifting her daughter’s body from the hospital, said, “No other child should suffer such a tragedy.” According to her, Niya was mauled by stray dogs near their home, which is adjacent to an area where garbage is frequently dumped. “We pleaded with people not to dump waste here, but no one listened,” she lamented, blaming the negligence for attracting the strays.
This is the third such incident reported in the past month. Earlier, 6-year-old Ziya Faris from Malappuram and a 13-year-old girl from Pullad, Pathanamthitta, also died of rabies after receiving prescribed post-bite vaccinations.
Hospital authorities and health officials stressed that vaccines themselves should not be blamed for the deaths. Dr. S Bindhu, Superintendent of SAT Hospital, explained that in certain cases, especially where the dog bite is deep or occurs in areas with high nerve density such as the face, neck, or hands, the virus can reach the brain before the vaccine takes effect.
“Multiple deep wounds can cause the virus to bypass the immune system’s response, particularly if nerves are involved,” a senior doctor added. This appears to be the case with Niya, who suffered deep wounds on her elbow—a sensitive area with high nerve concentration.
Niya’s mother confirmed that her daughter was bitten by a stray dog on April 8. The family followed all recommended protocols: the wound was immediately washed, and Niya was taken to a local health centre for the first dose of the anti-rabies vaccine. She later received further treatment and vaccine doses at Punalur Taluk Hospital.
Despite these efforts, Niya began experiencing pain and fever at the wound site in early June. Her condition worsened rapidly, prompting her family to take her to SAT Hospital, where she tested positive for rabies.
Due to quarantine protocols, Niya’s body was not brought back home but was buried in her native village.
Health Minister Veena George recently reaffirmed that only quality-assured vaccines are administered in government hospitals across Kerala. She also stated that health professionals are trained to follow standard immunization guidelines strictly.
The incident has raised serious concerns about public safety, stray dog control, and the effectiveness of rabies prevention measures in the state. Parents and communities are demanding urgent action to ensure children are protected from such preventable tragedies.
Sources By Agencies
