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In a tragic case from Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district, a 23-year-old MBA postgraduate died of rabies close to a month after a dog bite. The incident has brought concerns over public consciousness, prompt vaccination, and the even-fatal persistence of rabies in India, a preventable yet much-neglected disease.
The victim was a promising young man who had just finished his MBA and was about to start a new phase of life. A stray dog reportedly bit him about a month ago. He did not take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which is the set of life-saving rabies shots, as per local reports. In mid-July, he developed symptoms of agitation, confusion, hydrophobia (water phobia), and difficulty swallowing, all typical symptoms of rabies. Though treated medically, he died in a matter of days from the disease.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral illness that attacks the central nervous system. It is nearly always lethal once symptoms of illness have emerged. The virus is usually spread by the bite or saliva of an infected animal, in India, most often dogs. India is responsible for almost 36% of all rabies deaths globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) says, and children below the age of 15 years are at greatest risk.
Why This Death Shouldn't Have Happened
This tragedy did not have to happen. Rabies is 100% preventable if proper and timely medical attention is administered:
- Wound cleaning: Washing the bite immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes can cut the viral load substantially.
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): A course of anti-rabies vaccinations, initiated as quickly as possible after exposure, provides robust protection.
- Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG): In high-risk bites, this is essential, along with the vaccin,e to neutralise the virus at the entry site.
Despite awareness campaigns, many people still delay or ignore getting vaccinated, due to either negligence, myths, or lack of access.
Also Read: Is COVID-19 a Death Threat in 2025? Doctors’ Insights
Common Misconceptions About Rabies and Dog Bites
“It was just a scratch.”: Even minor scratches or licks on broken skin can transmit rabies.
“I’ve had vaccines before.”: Past immunisations do not ensure complete immunity unless up-to-date and complete. All exposures require medical assessment.
"The dog appeared healthy.": A rabid dog is not always ferocious or abnormal in the early stages.
Preventive Measures and What to Do Following a Dog Bite
- Wash the wound at once with soap and water.
- Seek medical attention even if the bite is trivial.
- Finish the PEP regimen without missing doses.
- Notify the local authorities of stray dog attacks to avert future attacks.
- Vaccinate the pets and do not interact with stray dogs.
Bottomline
The premature death of this 23-year-old Krishnagiri man is not only a private tragedy — it's also a public health wake-up call. Rabies kills stealthily but ruthlessly. No one should die from a disease we already know how to prevent. The message is unmistakable: Be serious about every dog bite, move quickly, and never omit the vaccine.