Kerala rabies deaths not due to ineffective vaccines: Govt panel
The deaths in Kerala due to rabies were not because of ineffective vaccines but improper and delayed treatment, an expert panel constituted by the central government to investigate the deaths has found, according to people familiar with the matter.
“The committee has confirmed in its report that the vaccines are effective and the deaths have not been because of failure of vaccination,” a central government functionary said, asking not to be named. “The problem is related to management on ground that needs to be corrected, and has been duly conveyed to the state government.”
The three-member committee that visited the state to probe the cause of deaths after allegations of rabies vaccines being ineffective were levelled submitted its report to the Union health ministry on Tuesday.
“Supportive evidence on media reports such as issues in
anti-rabies vaccine efficacy/ potency and circulation of rabies virus variants escaping protection provided by vaccine could not be found,” the investigators said in their report that HT has accessed.
Kerala reported nearly two million dog bites and 21 deaths this year. At least six of the dead have been reported to receive anti-rabies serum (immunoglobulin) and rabies vaccines.
The majority of deaths were preventable and could be attributed due to low awareness in the community about what to do in the event of animal bites, the report stated.
The central team comprising officials from the National Cenmutual tre for Disease Control was sent to Kerala last month to undertake a clinical and epidemiological investigation of all 21 mortalities in 2022.
“There has been delay in seeking time and appropriate animal bite management in the cases examined, which might be attributed to not recognising the importance of timely and full rabies post exposure prophylaxis,” the report said.
“Intensive information education and communication activities are required for all target audiences about do’s and don’ts for animal bites management.”
The investigators found knowledge gaps on washing of wounds with soap and water, applying antiseptic and not applying chilies, turmeric, etc, on wounds. They recommended aware drives on the importance of washing bite wound to the target audience and staff of antirabies clinics.
HT tried to reach out to a Kerala government official for a response on the matter but did not get one immediately.