Boy dies after he hid pet dog attack from family fearing injection

Cherthala: The health department assumed that the death of a ninth standard student in Arthunkal in Alappuzha was due to rabies. It is estimated that the boy died as he did not reveal that he was injured by their pet dog and failed to get anti-rabies vaccine.

The 14-year-boy identified as Nirmal Rajesh, son of Rajesh and Thressyamma, was rushed to the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital on October 16, after feeling uneasiness. However, the cause of death is assumed to be rabies infection based on the statement of doctors who treated the boy and the post-mortem report.

Samples of the boy's internal organs and body fluids were sent to the State Institute of Animal Disease situated in Palode and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Lab in Bengaluru for testing.

In August, Nirmal's brother Amal had received anti-rabies injection after their pet dog scratched on his face. Recently, a similar injury appeared on the face of Nirmal too. However, he told the family that he sustained the injury after falling off his bicycle. It is believed that the boy lied to the family fearing injection.

Later, the dog was examined by a veterinary surgeon, rabies infection was not confirmed. With this, the dog has been kept under observation at the house. Twelve people who came in contact with the child were vaccinated against rabies.