A 35-year-old woman from Desu Jodha village in Dabwali subdivision of Sirsa district died during treatment at AIIMS, Bathinda, on Monday, nearly two months after being bitten by a dog. The incident has raised fresh concerns over awareness and timely treatment of rabies cases in rural areas.
Incident Details
The deceased, Manpreet Kaur, wife of Sevak Singh, was reportedly bitten on the hand by a dog that had been brought home by family members from a field. According to relatives, the bite left only a minor mark and no visible wound, prompting the family to treat the incident casually. She did not receive anti-rabies vaccination after the bite.
According to the deceased's family members, Manpreet's condition suddenly deteriorated on Sunday. She developed difficulty in speaking and started stammering. The family members first admitted her to a private hospital in Dabwali. As her condition worsened, doctors referred her to a private hospital in Bathinda and later to AIIMS, Bathinda, for specialised treatment. Despite efforts by the doctors, she died during treatment on Monday. She is survived by two sons and other family members.
Previous Similar Case
This is not the first such case in the region. Last year, Varsha Rani (40), a resident of neighbouring Bijjuwali village, also died after a dog bite despite receiving anti-rabies treatment. According to her family, Varsha Rani was attacked by a stray dog on July 16, 2025, and suffered bite injuries on her leg, face and arm. Following medical advice, she received anti-rabies vaccinations at regular intervals. However, her health deteriorated later and she developed severe symptoms, including vomiting. She was initially taken to the government hospital in Dabwali and later referred to AIIMS, Bathinda, due to her critical condition. Despite treatment, she could not be saved.
Concerns Over Rabies Awareness
The recurring cases highlight a lack of awareness about rabies prevention in rural areas. Medical experts emphasise that any animal bite, even if minor, requires immediate medical attention and anti-rabies vaccination to prevent the onset of rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The community is urged to seek prompt treatment and not ignore seemingly trivial bites.
