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Rabies Scare: Family of Seven Referred to PGI Chandigarh
30 Jan
Summary
- Seven family members exhibit suspected rabies symptoms.
- Referral to PGI Chandigarh is precautionary, awaiting test results.
- Health officials emphasize rabies spread is only via bites.
A family of seven residing in a Jagroan junkyard has been referred to PGI Chandigarh due to suspected rabies symptoms, prompting a precautionary health investigation. The affected individuals, including a man, his wife, their three children, and two other children, exhibited signs like hypersalivation and speech difficulties.
Officials confirmed the man was bitten by a dog nearly a year ago, and one child was bitten by a pet puppy three days prior. The family is currently stable, eating and drinking normally, with test results expected by Friday.
Health authorities have emphasized that rabies is not transmitted from person to person and that the current situation is precautionary. Investigations confirmed the puppy is healthy and no other recent dog bites were reported in the area. Experts noted that low public awareness about rabies prevention remains a critical concern, especially among disadvantaged groups.
Punjab recorded eight rabies deaths last year, with some fatalities attributed to delayed Anti-Rabies Serum administration. The WHO states rabies is invariably fatal once clinical symptoms appear, underscoring the importance of timely vaccination and ARS for grade-3 bites.
