11-year-old dies following pet cat bite: Investigation underway

Pandalam: An 11-year-old schoolgirl who was undergoing treatment after being bitten by a pet cat has died under mysterious circumstances, prompting a detailed medical investigation.

The deceased, Hanna Fathima, was a Class 6 student of Thonnallur Government UP School and the daughter of Asharaf Rauthar and Sajina of Sumaiya Manzil, Maniil Thekkethil Kadakkad.

Hanna was bitten by the family’s pet cat at home on Wednesday and subsequently received a rabies vaccination from the Pandalam Family Health Center. A follow-up dose was administered later at the Adoor General Hospital.

On Friday, while at school, teachers noticed swelling extending down her neck. Concerned, they informed her parents and sent her home. On Monday, Hanna visited the family health centre again for her second dose of the vaccine. However, after returning home, she began to feel unwell.

Her condition worsened, and she was taken first to the family health centre, then to Pathanamthitta General Hospital, and finally to Kottayam Medical College Hospital. She passed away on Thursday morning while undergoing treatment.

Hospital sources said initial tests ruled out rabies, but the exact cause of death remains unknown. District Medical Officer Dr L Anithakumari confirmed that samples have been collected for expert analysis, and a comprehensive investigation is in progress.

Hanna’s funeral was held at 6 am on Friday at the Muslim Juma Masjid Kabarsthan in Kadakkad.