A six-year-old girl from Thane has died more than a month after being bitten by a street dog, triggering concern over rabies awareness and post-bite care. The incident occurred in the Diva area on November 17, when the child, identified as Nisha Shinde, was playing outside her home and was bitten on her shoulder and cheek by a community dog.
According to her family, the girl was immediately taken to a local doctor and later referred to Shastrinagar Hospital, which is run by the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation. Her mother, Sushma Shinde, said Nisha underwent the standard anti-rabies treatment protocol and received all mandatory vaccine doses on schedule. Following the treatment, the child appeared healthy and even celebrated her birthday on December 3.
However, her condition reportedly deteriorated suddenly on December 16, a day after she received the final dose of the anti-rabies vaccine. She developed a high fever, severe headache, and behavioural changes, including agitation and self-harm. The child was rushed back to the KDMC-run hospital and later shifted to a civic hospital in Mumbai for advanced treatment, but doctors could not save her. KDMC medical health officer Dr Deepa Shukla said all prescribed medical protocols were strictly followed during the girl’s treatment. The case has once again highlighted concerns around dog bites, rabies symptoms, and the need for continued vigilance even after vaccination.
