6-Year-Old Dies Of Rabies In MP's Datia Despite Vaccination After Category-3 Dog Bite

Last Updated:February 10, 2026, 15:17 IST

A 6-year-old boy died of rabies after a stray dog bite, despite receiving three ARV doses. The family has questioned the vaccine, prompting an official probe into the batch

A disturbing incident has emerged from the Datia district of Madhya Pradesh, where a six-year-old boy, Hans Prajapati, died of rabies despite receiving an anti-rabies vaccination. The incident occurred on January 13 in the slum area of Sapa Pahad, where the child was attacked by a stray dog while playing.

Following the attack, Hans was rushed to the district hospital, where doctors administered the first dose of the anti-rabies vaccine (ARV). As per medical protocol, he was given two additional doses. The fourth and final dose was scheduled for February 10.

Condition Worsened Before Final Dose

On February 6, before the final dose could be administered, the child’s condition deteriorated and he was admitted to the district hospital. Tests indicated symptoms of rabies, after which he was referred to Gwalior Medical College for advanced treatment.

District Hospital RMO Dr DS Tomar stated that this was a Category-3 dog bite case, involving deep wounds on the child’s head and body. Treatment had begun immediately on January 13, but due to the severity and location of the bites, the infection progressed rapidly.

Multiple Hospitals Visited, Treatment Denied

According to Hans’s uncle, Hariram Prajapati, the child was treated for one day at Gwalior Medical College. As his condition worsened, doctors reportedly advised the family that further treatment would not be effective.

The family then took the child to Gwalior’s 1000-bed government hospital, where similar advice was given. They later went to government hospitals and a medical college in Jhansi, but treatment was again refused. While returning to Datia, the child died on the way.

Health officials confirmed that this is the first known case in Datia district where a patient has died of rabies despite receiving anti-rabies vaccination.

Why The Vaccine Failed

Dr DS Tomar explained that in severe Category-3 bites, especially those on the head or face, the rabies virus can reach the brain very quickly. Antibodies generated by the vaccine take nearly a month to develop, which can result in vaccine failure in such cases.

He added that similar cases have been reported elsewhere in the past.

Following the incident, the hospital administration informed the drug inspector. The vaccine batch used in the child’s treatment is currently under investigation to rule out any manufacturing or storage issues.

Complaint Filed On CM Helpline

The child’s family has filed a complaint on the Chief Minister’s Helpline, demanding a thorough investigation into the incident and the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Expert Opinion On Rabies Treatment

Medical experts state that once rabies symptoms appear, treatment is almost impossible. However, if all vaccine doses along with rabies immunoglobulin are administered immediately after the bite, protection is nearly 100%.

Delays, incomplete dosing, or severe bites to the head, face, or mouth significantly increase the risk of fatal outcomes.

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