Thiruvananthapuram: A seven-year-old girl who contracted rabies passed away at a state-run hospital early Monday, despite receiving vaccination as part of her treatment, according to family sources.
The victim, Niya, a native of Kunnicode in Kollam district, had been on ventilator support at Sree Avittom Thirunal (SAT) Hospital for several days after testing positive for rabies infection.
The tragedy occurred just days after a six-year-old girl in Malappuram district succumbed to rabies despite having been vaccinated.
While her body was being moved from the hospital, Niya's grieving mother expressed her anguish, saying no other child should suffer such a tragedy.
"A large pile of waste is dumped near our home. We repeatedly asked people not to do this, but no one listened to our pleas. Stray dogs, attracted by the waste, mauled my daughter in front of me," she told reporters here.
The deceased girl's family and doctors at the hospital confirmed on Friday that she contracted the virus despite having received anti-rabies vaccination doses at the correct intervals.
Niya's mother recounted that the young girl was bitten by a stray dog on her elbow on April 8 while standing near her home.
Immediately after the incident, her family thoroughly washed the wound and took her to the nearby family health centre, where she was given an anti-rabies vaccine.
She was then taken to Punalur Taluk Hospital, where she received additional medications and vaccine doses.
However, a few days ago, Niya suddenly experienced severe pain at the wound site and developed a fever, prompting her parents to rush her back to the hospital.
SAT hospital authorities explained that if a dog bite occurs directly on a vein, the virus could reach the brain, making it impossible to determine the vaccine's effectiveness.
Health Minister Veena George also said vaccines are administered in Kerala state hospitals only after ensuring their quality.
(inputs from PTI)