Kottarakkara (Kollam): A 52-year-old man from Nediyavila has died exhibiting symptoms of rabies, 7 months after being bitten by a stray dog. The deceased, identified as Biju of Puthenveetil, had received only one dose of the anti-rabies vaccine at the time of the bite.

According to relatives, Biju began feeling unwell and experienced shivering around 10.30 am yesterday. He was initially taken to the Poovattoor Community Health Centre and later referred to the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital, as his family initially suspected a fever.

Shortly after receiving an allergy test injection at the hospital, Biju began showing symptoms consistent with rabies. Hospital staff, along with family members who were in close contact, were vaccinated as a precaution. He was then transported in an ambulance, with medical staff in PPE kits, to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, but he passed away en route.

Doctors have indicated that the death may have resulted from the incomplete vaccination regimen(3 doses), which requires multiple doses to be effective. Biju’s body has been kept in the morgue of the Medical College Hospital.

Biju, a daily wage labourer, lived with his mother, Rajamma. His death has raised concerns among relatives and local residents. Health authorities have advised his family and others who were in close contact to undergo preventive vaccination.