Dog bite cases surge in Latehar’s Balumath, 16 people attacked in a single day
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Daltonganj, October 26: At least 16 people, aged between eight and 35, were bitten by a suspected rabid…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, October 26: At least 16 people, aged between eight and 35, were bitten by a suspected rabid dog at different locations under Balumath police station limits in Latehar district in a single day, triggering concern among local residents.
The incidents began late Friday afternoon and continued until late at night, with victims arriving at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Balumath for treatment until around 10 pm, said Dr Surendra Kumar of the health centre on Sunday.
Among the victims was a woman who suffered multiple bites on her leg around 10 pm. Another victim, a young man, sustained a severe injury to his lower lip, which was torn by the dog, the doctor said.
Medical sources described the wounds as severe, involving abrasions, lacerations and multiple injuries. None of the 16 cases involved the most extreme category of bite described by local sources, in which an animal consumes human flesh.
“Dog bite wounds are not to be stitched or bandaged in normal conditions. But here the lower lip of a young man was torn apart.” said the doctor.
The young man insisted on having the injury stitched because he was concerned that a disfigured lip could affect his marriage prospects.
“The young man didn’t want to have a drooping lip. He insisted on its stitching, saying a disjointed lip would mar his marriage prospects. So he was given two lip stitches,” narrated the doctor.
A child who was bitten on the nose also suffered shock, largely due to bleeding, the doctor said.
The CHC administered anti-rabies vaccines, anti-tetanus injections and medicines to manage symptoms to all the victims, health centre officials said.
Explaining the vaccination schedule followed at the centre, Dr Surendra Kumar said, “Here we give 4 shots which is in order of 0,3,7 and 28 days. We don’t give anti-rabies on the 14th day here” reiterated the CHC doctor.
Sources said the health centre had sufficient stocks of anti-rabies vaccines.
Lack of Dog-Catching Facility a Concern
Local residents suspected that the dog involved in the attacks was stressed, frightened and possibly rabid. However, its condition was not independently confirmed.
Latehar Deputy Commissioner Sandip Kumar told this correspondent, “Our district has no dog catching facility. Hence castration of male dog and spaying of female dog are not done here”.
The deputy commissioner said the district administration was concerned about the problem and would soon explore measures to contain the movement of stray dogs suspected of being rabid.
Roadside Eateries Under Scrutiny
Sources said several dog-bite incidents had occurred near roadside eateries, where dogs often gather in search of leftover food.
Roadside eatery operators have reportedly been advised to keep long sticks handy to shoo away dogs and reduce the risk of attacks.
The cluster of incidents has highlighted concerns over stray-dog management and the need for effective preventive measures in Balumath and surrounding areas.
