At least 14 people bitten by a stray dog in Gaibandha’s Sundarganj upazila received rabies vaccines but five of them died later.
Relatives said victims were taken to hospital immediately after the bites, wounds were cleaned, and vaccines administered. Doctors, however, said gaps in proper treatment procedures may explain the fatalities.
A visit to Konchibari village found locals in shock and fear. The deaths of several people from the bite of a single dog have cast grief across the area.
Ful Mia, one of the victims in Dhubni Bazar village, died after being bitten on the nose while working in a jute field on 22 April. His wife, Jamila Khatun, said he was admitted to Gaibandha General Hospital where stitches were given and two vaccine doses administered.
A week later he developed fever, vomiting, and was taken to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, where he died on 6 May. “My husband was the breadwinner. Now I don’t know how our family will survive,” she said tearfully.
Civil Surgeon Md Rafiquzzaman explained that wounds must be washed with soap for 15–20 minutes, followed by rabies vaccine and Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG). In many cases these steps were not properly followed, he added.
The vaccines bought from shops may not have been stored in proper cold chain conditions, reducing effectiveness. Most of the deceased had bites on the face, allowing the virus to reach the brain quickly.
A seven‑member health team is now working in Sundarganj.
How the victims are doing
Several injured have returned home after treatment. Schoolgirl Limo Akter, 11, was bitten on the face and neck but is recovering after vaccination. Mitu Akter, 16, was bitten on the hand in her yard and is now stable.
Fifth‑grader Labannya Akter, 11, was bitten on the face, treated at Gaibandha General Hospital, and discharged after six days.
Locals complained that stray dogs have multiplied in the area, roaming freely in markets, roads, and residential zones without control.
Upazila livestock officer Mozammel Haque said no allocation for stray dog vaccination has arrived in three years, though limited doses were available for pet dogs. A doctor, requesting anonymity, noted vaccinating dogs is more cost‑effective than vaccinating humans, and mass dog vaccination could prevent rabies.
Government response
On Saturday, authorities began vaccinating stray dogs in Gaibandha town. District Livestock Officer Md Abdur Razzak said an 18‑member team arrived from Sirajganj with a target to vaccinate 4,000–5,000 dogs.
The government has provided Tk25,000 to each family of the deceased and Tk15,000 to each injured household. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Masudur Rahman Molla said the administration is monitoring the situation and support will continue.
