Panic struck pedestrians and two-wheeler riders at Sankarank oil Road junction at Rajapalayam on Saturday morning after a rabid dog went on a biting spree. Thirty-eight persons, including eight women and four children, bore the brunt when the dog started biting people who came its way. All the victims were referred to the Government Hospital and given anti-rabies injection. “The victims were administered tissue culture vaccination, the latest anti-rabies treatment. Since, it was confirmed that the ferocious dog was infected with rabies, the patients were given a dose of immunoglobulin,” Joint Director of Health Services M. Kathiresan said.
He added that there was no need for panic as the victims had been receiving good care at the hospital. An adequate stock of vaccines was available at the hospital, he added. Meanwhile, a section of the victims, who were tourists returning from Courtallam, wanted to get treatment at the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai. “Though it was not required, the victims, out of anxiety, wanted to go to Madurai,” Dr. Kathiresan clarified.
Rajapalayam MLA K. Gopalsamy, who visited the GH, said municipal staff were searching for the rabid dog. GRH doctors said 10 persons referred from the Rajapalayam GH were administered Anti-Rabies Immunoglobulin. At least 25 people were bitten by a rabies-infected dog at South Goa’s Cansaulim village, 30 kms from here following which they were hospitalised, sources said today.
The incident occurred last evening when the stray dog went on rampage, biting passers-by. The canine was later killed by villagers. Sources in Goa Medical College (GMC) said that 15 people were administered anti-rabies injection in their hospital while rest were treated at cottage hospital Chicalim and Hospicio hospital at Margao.
