Kerala Child Dies of Rabies Despite Vaccination, Sparking Public Health Concerns​

In a tragic incident that has raised serious public health concerns, a seven-year-old girl from Kunnikode in Kollam district, Kerala, died of rabies despite receiving the anti-rabies vaccine. The child, Niya Faisal, was bitten by a stray dog on April 8 while standing in front of her house. She was promptly taken to the nearest health centre and later to the taluk hospital, where her wound was cleaned and she received the vaccine.

Despite these measures, Niya developed a fever on April 29 and was admitted to the Sree Avittom Thirunal (SAT) Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. Medical reports indicated that the dog bite had affected a nerve, allowing the rabies virus to spread to her brain through the bloodstream.

This case is particularly alarming as it marks the third rabies-related child death in Kerala within a month. Earlier, 13-year-old Bhagyalakshmi from Pullad in Pathanamthitta and six-year-old Ziya Faris from Thenhipalam in Malappuram also succumbed to the infection.

Factors Contributing to Vaccine Failure

Medical experts have pointed out that the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine can be influenced by several factors, including the severity and location of the wound, as well as the rate of viral transmission. In Niya’s case, the bite was severe and affected a nerve, facilitating rapid spread of the virus to the brain. ​

Additionally, concerns have been raised about the proper administration of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) in severe cases. RIG provides immediate localized protection at the wound site before the vaccine takes effect. Without RIG, the virus may progress to the nervous system, nullifying the vaccine’s protection. ​

Public Health Response​

The Kerala government has previously set up an expert committee to investigate rabies deaths despite vaccination. The panel is assessing vaccine quality, reviewing treatment protocols, and verifying whether RIG is being administered alongside vaccines where necessary. Monitoring of vaccine safety and cold chain practices has now taken center stage in the state’s public health discussions.

As the state grapples with these tragic incidents, health officials are urging the public to seek immediate medical attention after any animal bite and to ensure that all recommended treatments, including RIG, are administered promptly.