The report noted that in the recent child fatalities, the rabies virus had quickly reached the brain via nerve endings—particularly due to bites on sensitive areas such as the head, neck, and hands
Published Jul 13, 2025 | 10:51 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 13, 2025 | 10:51 AM
Kerala reports over 1.3 lakh dog bite cases in four months; rabies deaths raise alarm(Wikimedia Commons)
Synopsis: Kerala reported 1,31,244 dog bite cases between January and April 2025, according to the state Health Department. The data was submitted to the State Child Rights Commission following a complaint by Advocate Kulathur Jaisingh, triggered by the deaths of three children from dog attacks within a month. The alarming figures have intensified public pressure for immediate and effective government intervention
Kerala continues to reel under the stray dog menace, with the state Health Department revealing that 1,31,244 dog bite cases were reported between January and April this year alone.
The startling statistics were submitted to the State Child Rights Commission in response to a complaint by High Court lawyer and public activist Adv. Kulathur Jaisingh.
The complaint followed the tragic deaths of three children from dog bites in Kozhencherry, Thenjipalam, and Pathanapuram within a single month, sparking widespread concern and calls for urgent action.
According to the Health Department’s report, 16 people died of rabies between January and May 2025. Worryingly, five of them had received preventive vaccinations. Between 2021 and 2024, the state recorded 89 rabies deaths, of which 18 victims had reportedly been vaccinated.
The report noted that in the recent child fatalities, the rabies virus had quickly reached the brain via nerve endings—particularly due to bites on sensitive areas such as the head, neck, and hands.
The department also admitted that government hospitals where the children were initially treated did not have the required rabies vaccines in stock.
In response, the Health Department claims it has ramped up sterilisation campaigns, awareness initiatives, and training for health workers. It also stated that no quality issues have been detected with the rabies vaccines currently in circulation.
Adv. Jaisingh has urged the government to prioritise the availability of anti-rabies vaccines and improve infrastructure at public hospitals to prevent further tragedies.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
