Around 450 residents of Dadi Khas and neighboring Govindpur villages in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district received the anti-rabies vaccine after consuming milk and holy ‘charanamrit’ from a cow suspected of having rabies. The animal died on Tuesday after exhibiting abnormal symptoms, prompting local health officials to set up a mass vaccination drive as a preventive measure.
Key Highlights
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Trigger Event: The milk from a cow owned by local resident Navami Yadav was used to prepare charanamrit during Durga Puja celebrations. Milk from the same cow was also sold to local tea shops and households.
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Symptoms & Death: The cow fell ill and began behaving abnormally—including making barking sounds—before dying on Tuesday evening. Local veterinarians suspect the cow had been bitten by a rabid stray dog.
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Mass Vaccination Drive:
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Tuesday: ~50 residents sought preventive vaccination at a local Community Health Centre (CHC).
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Wednesday: The local health department organized a dedicated camp in Dadi Khas village, administering anti-rabies doses to another 400 people.
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Medical & Health Department Guidance
Precautions Recommended:
Dr. Amarendra Thakur (CHC In-Charge) advised residents to consult medical professionals, adhere strictly to the prescribed anti-rabies vaccination schedule, and boil all milk thoroughly before consumption, avoiding raw milk entirely.
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Mode of Transmission: Dr. Siddiqui, a local veterinarian, noted that while symptoms strongly pointed toward rabies, laboratory testing is required for definitive confirmation.
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Risk Assessment: Experts emphasize that consuming milk alone is not a standard transmission route for the rabies virus. However, post-exposure prophylaxis was provided as a precaution due to the risk of potential contact with infected saliva during handling or consumption.
