Man Bitten by Rabid Dog Slits Throat in Hospital
A tragic incident took place in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where a man suffering from rabies ended his life in a hospital. The victim, identified as Ram Chander from Odisha, was working at a private firm in Coimbatore when he was bitten by a dog a few days earlier.
Rabies Symptoms and Sudden Aggression
After the bite, Chander was admitted to a government hospital and placed in an isolation ward. As the infection progressed, he began displaying symptoms typical of late-stage rabies, including severe aggression and unpredictable behaviour. Unfortunately, rabies affects the central nervous system, causing distressing neurological symptoms once it reaches an advanced stage.
Tragic Incident at the Hospital
While in isolation, Chander managed to break a glass pane and used the sharp shards to slit his own throat. The hospital staff, aware of the high risk of rabies transmission through bodily fluids, refrained from immediate physical intervention. Instead, they quickly notified the police. However, by the time officials arrived, Chander had lost a significant amount of blood and could not be saved.
Police Investigation and Public Concern
After the incident, the police registered a case for further investigation. Meanwhile, a video of Chander’s final moments went viral on social media, sparking discussions on the severity of rabies and the critical need for timely medical intervention after an animal bite.
Understanding Rabies and Its Prevention
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Dogs are responsible for transmitting the virus in nearly 99% of human cases. The infection spreads through saliva, commonly via bites, scratches, or contact with mucous membranes such as the eyes, mouth, or open wounds.
Importance of Timely Vaccination
Health experts emphasize that rabies can be prevented through immediate vaccination after an animal bite. This includes post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which involves a series of rabies vaccinations administered promptly to prevent the virus from progressing. Without timely treatment, rabies becomes fatal, as there is no cure once symptoms manifest.
Raising Awareness and Strengthening Public Health Measures
The tragic loss of Ram Chander highlights the urgent need for increased public awareness about rabies prevention. Ensuring that pet dogs are vaccinated, educating communities about the dangers of rabies, and improving access to post-bite treatment can help prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking immediate medical care after an animal bite. Public health authorities urge individuals to take rabies prevention seriously and get vaccinated when exposed to potential sources of infection.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
