'Ditched vaccine, went for faith healing': Madhya Pradesh woman barks, attacks people, months after dog bite

BHOPAL: In a disturbing incident, a 50-year-old Chhindwara woman allegedly tried to attack people after developing severe rabies symptoms, months after a dog bite.

The incident, carrying echoes of a curious recent case in UP's Mirzapur where a 17-year-old boy developed aggressive rabies symptoms, including barking, after an incomplete vaccination course, was one in a series of stray dog attacks that left over 60 people injured in different parts of the state within hours.

It was alleged that the woman, who hails from Tipakheda village in Tamia area, was bitten by a stray dog in January but did not receive proper medical treatment.

Family members said she was, instead, taken for local faith healing.

Though she seemed to be showing signs of recovery initially, her condition worsened in recent weeks.

She developed distinct behavioural changes, the relatives said, adding she also started demonstrating a fear of water while also running towards random people, as if to bite them.

As her condition turned critical, she was taken to a government hospital in Tamia and later referred to the district hospital, where she is presently undergoing treatment.

Her case compounded concerns amid a surge in stray dog attacks across the state. Satna topped the recent trail of dog bite incidents, as close to 40 people were bitten by a stray dog within a span of three hours on Wednesday evening.

The attacks started near Gehranala and later spread to Maheshwari Sweets, Khermai Road, Khova Mandi and Hospital Square, before reaching the railway station area, sources said. Eyewitnesses said the dog suddenly turned aggressive and began attacking passersby.

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