TURA:
A nine-year-old girl child who was bitten by her family dog almost two months ago has died tragically from the deadly disease rabies in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills.
The child belonged to Asiragre village, across the Simsang river.
According to a district administration official, the child was brought to Williamnagar civil hospital in a critical condition with symptoms of hydrophobia- extreme or irrational fear of water, a sure symptom of rabies.
They had previously sought treatment in a private clinic before her symptoms became serious. The child was bitten around the time of Easter Monday celebrations, late April.
“The dog passed away after a few days of the bite which is a strong case for rabies, but the family failed to seek treatment as they were unaware of the causes of its death. Had they taken anti-rabies treatment this wouldn’t have happened, it’s very sad,” informed the official.
All family members who have been in close contact with the child have now begun the vaccination process against rabies as a precaution.
Although rabies is a disease highly prevalent among animals in Garo Hills region, yet, there is a short supply for its vaccine to be administered on cats and dogs.
Tura veterinary hospital located in the heart of town had run out of the anti-rabies vaccine since January of this year with no update from veterinary authorities about a fresh consignment.
“Pet lovers are having to purchase the anti-rabies vaccine from private clinics for a price of Rs 150/-. Not everyone can afford that, especially if one has several dogs or cats at home, and this leads to some missing out on this crucial vaccine which needs to be administered every year,” informed a pet store owner to this scribe.
Today’s tragedy comes close on the heels of another case that took place a few years ago in Tura when a man bitten by his new puppy died from rabies after failing to vaccinate himself. His sister who was also bitten by the same pup passed away shortly after the demise of the brother.