The Kerala Health Department has said in a statement that the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine is not to blame for the deaths of three children during the months of April and May. The deceased had reportedly received the Intradermal Rabies Vaccine (IDRV).

According to the Health Department’s report submitted to the Child Rights Commission, all three children had been bitten on the head and neck — areas where the virus might travel quickly to the brain, potentially nullifying the effect of the vaccine.

The report was filed following a complaint by social activist Kulathoor Jaisingh.

In the case reported from Malappuram’s Tirurangadi, a young girl was bitten on the head, shoulder, and legs. The wound was cleaned and the vaccine administered. She was later referred to Kozhikode Medical College for immunoglobulin, as it was not available at the Tirurangadi Taluk Hospital.

The second child, from Vilakkudy in Pathanapuram, died in May. The minor was initially taken to a primary health centre and later administered immunoglobulin at Punalur Taluk Hospital.

The third death occurred in Naranganam, Pathanamthitta. The child was bitten on her arms and legs and, according to reports, received timely doses of the vaccine.

However, the Department does not attribute the cause of death to either the lack of immunoglobulin or any failure in treatment protocol. 

It was also found that precautions such as cleaning the wound with soap and clean water for the first half an hour were not carried out.

Further, the vaccine was effective for at least the duration of another year, according to the report.