A 45-year-old Electricity Board employee from Thirumayam in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukottai district died of rabies after reportedly failing to take anti-rabies treatment following a bite from his pet dog months ago.
The deceased, identified as Ramalingam, had been working near Thirumayam. According to sources, he was bitten about five months ago by a dog raised at his home. As it was his pet, he did not seek vaccination or medical care at the time.
The dog reportedly died within 10 days of biting him. However, Ramalingam continued his routine work without undergoing any preventive treatment.
Symptoms appeared months later
A few days ago, he developed symptoms and was admitted to a private hospital in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). Following medical examination, doctors diagnosed him with rabies — a viral disease that is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear.
Despite treatment efforts, he died at the hospital on Monday.
Family members vaccinated as precaution
Health officials stated that more than 10 family members and close contacts have since been administered anti-rabies vaccination at a government hospital as a precautionary measure.
Medical experts reiterate that any dog bite — including from a pet — must be treated as a medical emergency. Immediate wound washing with soap and water, followed by timely anti-rabies vaccination, can prevent the disease.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prompt medical attention after animal bites, regardless of whether the animal is domesticated or stray.