Jagtial/Hyderabad: In a heartbreaking incident from Telangana, an eight-year-old boy succumbed after a prolonged 15-month health battle following a stray dog bite, raising serious concerns over rabies awareness and post-exposure care.
Child Attacked by Stray Dog in 2024
The victim, Manchikatla Maniteja from Kotilingala village in Velgatoor Mandal of Jagtial district, was attacked by a stray dog in 2024 while playing with friends. He suffered injuries to his neck and shoulder and was immediately taken to a hospital, where he received an anti-rabies vaccine.
Symptoms Reappeared Months Later
According to reports, during the Sankranti holidays, the boy began showing symptoms resembling rabies again. His condition worsened rapidly, with breathing difficulties prompting his family to rush him to a government hospital in Jagtial.
Family Spent ₹50 Lakh on Treatment
As his health deteriorated further, his parents shifted him to a private hospital in Hyderabad for advanced treatment. Despite months of intensive care and an estimated expenditure of ₹50 lakh, the child could not be saved and passed away on Monday night.
In an effort to prolong his life, the family had even arranged ventilator support at their residence and continued treatment for several months.
Officials Doubt Rabies as Cause of Death
Health officials have raised doubts about rabies being the exact cause of death. According to a district health अधिकारी, survival for more than a year after rabies infection is extremely rare.
Experts suspect that complications arising from the severe neck injuries sustained during the dog attack may have contributed to the boy’s death.
Final Moments and Last Rites
When the parents noticed no movement in his body, they rushed him to a hospital, where he was declared dead. His last rites were performed in his ancestral village on Tuesday.
Renewed Focus on Rabies Prevention
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger rabies prevention and awareness measures. Recently, the National Health Mission in Jharkhand issued detailed guidelines to strengthen rabies prevention and aims to make the state rabies-free by 2030.
Growing Concern Over Stray Dog Attacks
This tragic case underscores the importance of timely vaccination, proper wound management, and continuous monitoring after animal bites. It also brings attention to the growing issue of stray dog attacks and the need for coordinated public health interventions across states.
