A 27-year-old man from Sabarkantha district in Gujarat has been hospitalized after displaying severe symptoms of rabies approximately three months after being bitten by a dog. The patient, a father of three who works as a farm laborer in Nalasar village, was admitted to the Trauma Centre at Banas Medical College and Research Institute in Palanpur on January 30.
Severe Neurological Symptoms Observed
The man exhibited alarming neurological signs associated with rabies, including walking on all fours, barking, aggressive behavior, and hydrophobia, which is an intense fear of water. Videos purportedly showing these symptoms circulated online, drawing public attention to the case.
Hospital Reports Stable Condition
According to Dr. Sunil Joshi, the Medical Superintendent at Banas Medical College and Research Institute, the patient's condition has stabilized. "The rabies case is under observation. Today, he is co-operating and stable. He is also taking food orally and following verbal commands. He is not under sedation anymore," Dr. Joshi stated.
Response and Preventive Measures
In response to the incident, 15 individuals, including family members and villagers who had contact with the man, have been administered the Anti Rabies Vaccine (ARV) as a precautionary measure. The man had not taken the vaccine after the initial dog bite, leading to the onset of symptoms.
Chaos and Safety Protocols
During his hospitalization, the patient reportedly attacked family members and caused chaos by breaking free from an isolated ward. This prompted hospital authorities to involve multiple agencies, including the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and the forest department. Forest department staff used specialized nets to safely restrain the man for treatment, ensuring the safety of hospital staff and other patients.
Fourth Rabies Case in Banaskantha District
Dr. Joshi highlighted that this incident marks the fourth reported case of rabies in Banaskantha district over the past year. He cited another recent case from Palanpur, where a man and his son were affected by a stray dog. The father received the ARV, but the son did not, leading to infection a few weeks later.
This case underscores the critical importance of timely vaccination and public awareness about rabies prevention in rural and urban areas alike.
