Man bitten by pet dog dies of rabies in Salem

SALEM: A powerloom worker, who was bitten by his pet dog recently, died of rabies while undergoing treatment in a Salem hospital on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as M Kuppusamy, 43, of Elavampalayam in Edappadi taluk. “Kuppusamy was unable to drink water and exhibited behaved strangely. We took him to a nearby private hospital for tests. On Sunday, it was confirmed that he had rabies," said K Senthil Kumar, a relative. Doctors in the private hospital referred him to Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital (SGMKMCH). He was admitted to SGMKMCH on Monday where he died on Tuesday. Senthil Kumar said Kuppusamy’s dog had bitten several people three months ago. "When he attempted to discipline his dog, it bit him too," he said. Kuppusamy had not taken anti-rabies vaccine after being bitten by his dog, Senthil Kumar added.