Gwalior Man Given Tetanus Shot Instead of Anti-Rabies Vaccine After Dog Bite, Dies of Rabies
A tragic incident in Gwalior has sparked serious concern over rabies treatment protocols after a 36-year-old man reportedly died from rabies following a dog bite. The victim, Raju Kushwaha, was allegedly administered a tetanus injection instead of the required anti-rabies vaccine at Jayarogya Hospital. Nearly 20 days later, he developed classic rabies symptoms such as hydrophobia and deteriorating health, eventually succumbing to the disease.
A tragic incident in Gwalior has sparked serious concern over rabies treatment protocols after a 36-year-old man reportedly died from rabies following a dog bite. The victim, Raju Kushwaha, was allegedly administered a tetanus injection instead of the required anti-rabies vaccine at Jayarogya Hospital. Nearly 20 days later, he developed classic rabies symptoms such as hydrophobia and deteriorating health, eventually succumbing to the disease.
According to health experts and the World Health Organization, rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The virus spreads through saliva, most commonly via dog bites, scratches, or contact with open wounds. In India, dogs account for nearly 99 percent of human rabies cases. Mumbai Tragedy: Class 4 Girl Dies of Rabies After Skipping Vaccine Due to Fear of Injections.
The case highlights a critical medical distinction. A tetanus injection helps prevent bacterial infections caused by wounds but has no effect on the rabies virus. Rabies requires immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes a series of anti-rabies vaccines and, in severe cases, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG).
The rabies vaccine is typically administered in multiple doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after exposure. This schedule helps the body build immunity before the virus reaches the brain. Additionally, RIG provides immediate protection by neutralising the virus at the wound site and is especially important in severe exposure cases. Dog Bite Incident in Thane: Minor Boy Dies Weeks After Being Bitten by Stray Dog in Bhiwandi; Hospital Says Victim Received Anti-Rabies Shots As Local MLA Alleges Negligence.
Data from Gwalior shows the scale of the issue, with over 13,500 dog bite cases reported between December 2025 and April 2026. Health officials stress that immediate wound cleaning and timely vaccination are essential to prevent fatalities.
This incident underscores the urgent need for awareness and strict adherence to rabies treatment protocols. Even a small delay or incorrect treatment can prove fatal, making proper medical response after animal bites absolutely critical.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 04, 2026 05:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).