Boy Dies Weeks After Dog Bite Despite Anti-Rabies Shots, in Thane; Triggers Concerns
Boy Dies Weeks After Dog Bite Despite Anti-Rabies Shots, in Thane; Triggers Concerns
Hospital says protocol was followed; death triggers concern over stray dogs and public healthcare gaps
A 12-year-old boy from Maharashtra’s Thane district has died several weeks after being bitten by a stray dog, even though he was administered anti-rabies and tetanus injections, according to hospital authorities. The incident has sparked serious concerns over the treatment provided and the growing threat posed by stray dogs in urban areas.
The incident dates back to January 10, when the boy, a resident of the Bhiwandi area, was bitten by a stray dog. His family immediately rushed him to the state-run IGM Hospital in Bhiwandi. Hospital officials said the child was given anti-rabies injections along with a tetanus shot as part of standard treatment. He was later referred to Thane Civil Hospital and subsequently brought back to IGM Hospital, after which the family took him home.
According to the family, the boy appeared stable initially but his condition began to worsen after a few weeks. As his health deteriorated, he was taken to a civic hospital in Mumbai, where he died on January 30.
Hospital authorities have maintained that due medical protocol was followed at the time of treatment. Doctors at IGM Hospital said the child received the required injections after the dog bite. However, they also stated that it is not yet medically clear whether the death was directly caused by rabies or some other complication, and further clarity may be required.
The case has taken a political turn, with Bhiwandi MLA Rais Shaikh of the Samajwadi Party alleging negligence by government hospitals. He claimed there is a shortage of essential medicines at public healthcare facilities in the area and said the issue of stray dogs and related deaths has become a serious public concern.
“Stray dogs and resultant deaths are becoming a major issue. There is negligence and lack of adequate medicines in government hospitals. I will raise this matter in the assembly,” the MLA said.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with stray dog attacks and the importance of timely and complete post-exposure treatment. While anti-rabies vaccination is considered highly effective, medical experts stress that strict adherence to the full treatment schedule and proper wound management are critical.
