Two children in Kerala died of rabies despite receiving anti-rabies vaccines.

By Aniket Chakraborty

July 12, 2025

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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The deaths have triggered a statewide health advisory on dog bite treatment.

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Experts blame delay in post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and poor wound care.

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Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) was reportedly not administered in Category III bites.

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RIG neutralizes the virus before vaccine antibodies kick in—without it, risk rises.

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Improper vaccine storage and missed doses may also have contributed to the deaths.

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Children are especially vulnerable due to weaker immune responses to rabies virus.

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Health workers have now been instructed to strictly follow updated PEP guidelines.

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Every bite must be assessed by category: I (no risk), II (vaccine), III (vaccine + RIG).

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Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear—prevention must be precise.

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