Man dies of rabies in Alappuzha

A 65-year-old man from Thiruvandoor, near Chengannur, in Alappuzha died of rabies on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Gopinathan Nair. He died while undergoing treatment at a hospital. Health department officials said that he had not taken the anti-rabies vaccine until he was admitted to the hospital with fever a few days ago. “We don’t know whether he was bitten or scratched by a dog. He did not divulge anything to his family members or take the anti-rabies vaccine. His condition worsened, and he died,” said a Health department official.

Family to be vaccinated

Officials added that his family members would be vaccinated against rabies as a precautionary measure. In May, a 17-year-old boy from Karumadi in Alappuzha also died of rabies. He too had not taken the anti-rabies vaccine immediately after sustaining a dog scratch.