Rabies Prevention Program to Kick Off in Kerala Schools on June 30

Thiruvananthapuram: The Health Department, in collaboration with the Education Department, will conduct a state-wide rabies awareness program in schools on Monday. Health Minister Veena George said special sessions led by doctors or health workers from local hospitals and health centres will be held during morning assemblies in all government and aided schools.

The move comes amid a worrying spike in rabies deaths following stray dog attacks. A five-year-old boy named Haarith from Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, died in Kannur after being bitten by a stray dog outside his house on May 31. Despite receiving the first three doses of the anti-rabies vaccine, the child developed symptoms and succumbed at the Government Medical College, Pariyaram.

In another case, a six-year-old girl from Tirurangadi, Ziya Faris, died of rabies at Kozhikode Medical College despite being vaccinated. She suffered severe head and leg injuries in a stray dog attack on March 29 that also injured seven others in her area.

The initiative aims to educate children on the importance of first aid, vaccination, and safety measures to follow in case of animal bites or scratches, as children are at higher risk of infection. District-level programs will also be organised in key schools, attended by district collectors, public representatives, and senior health and education officials.

In July, similar awareness sessions will be extended to teachers and parents through PTA meetings. The departments will also distribute pamphlets, videos, and posters to guide children on rabies prevention, helping spread awareness beyond schools to households statewide.

According to the source: Onmanorama.