Dog that attacked girl confirmed rabies-infected

A stray dog that entered a house and bit a three-year-old girl near Omalloor has been tested positive for rabies. The virus was confirmed in tests conducted at the Animal Husbandry department laboratory in Thiruvalla.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in Omalloor, where the dog attacked Sukanya and two other people. Residents killed the dog after noticing rabies symptoms and sent its samples for examination on their own.

Sukanya, who was playing in the courtyard of her house, sustained bite injuries on her eyes and other parts of her body. Hearing her cries, neighbours and relatives rushed to the spot and chased the dog away. While fleeing, the dog reportedly bit residents. A priest was also attacked in the incident.

The child was first admitted to the Pathanamthitta General Hospital, where she was administered a vaccine and given primary treatment. She was later shifted to Kottayam Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment. Other victims are also undergoing treatment.