A heartbreaking incident in Thane has cast a shadow over the efficacy of standard anti-rabies treatment protocols. A six-year-old girl, who was bitten by a community dog in November and completed the full course of post-exposure prophylaxis, tragically died of rabies on Sunday at Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital.
A Birthday Celebration Followed by Sudden Tragedy
The victim, Nisha, was playing outside her home in Diva on the night of November 17 when a stray dog attacked her, biting her on the shoulder and cheeks. Her parents immediately took her to a local doctor, who referred her to the KDMC-run Shastrinagar Hospital. There, doctors initiated the standard anti-rabies protocol, which includes a series of vaccines and immunoglobulins.
Her mother, Sushma Shinde, stated that Nisha received all mandatory injections on time and showed no initial complications. The family even celebrated the young girl's birthday on December 3, with everything seeming normal. However, the situation took a devastating turn a day after Nisha received her final anti-rabies vaccine dose on December 15.
Rapid Deterioration and a Fatal Diagnosis
On December 16, Nisha developed a high fever, severe headache, extreme weakness, and exhibited alarming behavioral changes. "She began banging her head against the bed and scratching anyone who came near her," recounted a distraught Sushma. The family rushed her back to Shastrinagar Hospital, from where she was urgently referred to Kasturba Hospital for advanced care.
Admitted on December 18, the family was verbally informed that Nisha was showing classic symptoms of rabies. Doctors cautioned that her chances of survival were extremely slim. Despite the grim prognosis, the family held onto hope. "She even asked for her favourite dal-rice the night before," her mother shared. Tragically, Nisha's condition deteriorated rapidly; her oxygen levels dropped, and she was declared dead on Sunday.
Family Seeks Answers, Activists Blame Civic Apathy
The grieving family is now left searching for answers. "We followed the treatment exactly as advised. We don't want any other family to suffer like this," said her uncle, Deva Kadam. The case has sparked outrage among local activists and politicians, who point to systemic failures.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rohidas Munde highlighted that this is the second reported dog-bite incident in the suburb, with many more going unreported. He stated, "The incident raises serious concerns about treatment protocols, medicine quality, and administrative accountability. We have demanded a transparent probe."
In response, KDMC medical health officer Dr. Deepa Shukla asserted that the prescribed protocol was followed meticulously. "The child returned on Dec 17 with high-grade fever. Our paediatric experts suspected rabies and immediately referred her to Kasturba Hospital," she explained, adding that detailed reports from both hospitals are awaited. Kasturba Hospital authorities are yet to issue an official statement.
Dr. Prasad Patil, the medical health officer of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), noted that this tragic incident could possibly be the first reported rabies death in recent years within TMC limits, underscoring the rarity and severity of the case.
