Dog bites kill five amid anti-rabies vaccine shortage in Gaibandha's hospitals

GAIBANDHA, May 14: Amid anti-rabies vaccine shortage at Gaibandha’s hospitals, at least five people died in a week after being bitten by a 'rabid' dog in Gaibandha.

The deceased have been identified as Sharmin Sultana (52), Afroza Begum (50), Nanda Rani (55), Fulu Mia (52) and Ratenshwar Kumar (42), according to the Konchibari Union Parishad Chairman Monowar Alam Sarkar, the relatives of a victim and locals. Except Rateneshwar, all hail from Konchibari Union of Sundarganj Upazila.

Nanda and Fulu of Bajra Konchibari village died on May 6 followed by the death of Ratneshwar two days after at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RPMCH). Sharmin and Afroza died while undergoing treatment at RPMCH on Wednesday, Chairman Monowar confirmed.

A local, Khalek, said patients are being forced to return home without (anti-rabies) vaccinations after visiting hospitals, which has caused widespread panic.

Chairman Monowar said one death after another due to rabies has created panic among the locals.

The five deceased are among the at least 13 people who were seriously injured in the attack by a ‘rabid dog’ on April 22 in Sundarganj, according to the chairman and the locals.

Sundarganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dibakar Basak said, "None of our infected people have sought treatment here (Sundarganj Upazila Health Complex). There was no vaccine supply in this health complex. This month, we have received funds to purchase 30 anti-rabies vaccines. These vaccines are supplied to district hospitals." He added that it is possible to prevent rabies if the patients are vaccinated on time.

Gaibandha Civil Surgeon Dr. Rafiquzzaman could not be reached over the phone.

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