27 administered rabies vaccine, five referred to Birgunj; fear grips locals
RAUTAHAT, JANUARY 8
At least 50 people were injured in a series of dog attacks in Gadhimai Municipality of Rautahat district on Wednesday, triggering fear among local residents.
According to Gaur Provincial Hospital, 27 of the injured were administered anti-rabies vaccines, while five critically injured individuals were referred to Birgunj for further treatment. The remaining victims are expected to seek medical care in the coming days.
Hospital Information Officer Kapil Dev Jha said 32 dog bite victims had so far reached the hospital. "Of them, 27 were given rabies injections, while five seriously injured patients were referred to Birgunj for advanced treatment," he said, adding that the condition of all patients is being closely monitored.
The attacks occurred in wards 1, 4, 6 and 8 of Gadhimai Municipality after an aggressive stray dog suddenly attacked residents. Children, women and elderly people were among those injured. Some victims were visitors from Fatuwa Bijaypur and Rajpur municipalities who had come to Gadhimai to visit relatives.
Local residents said the incidents have spread panic in the area, making daily movement difficult, particularly during morning and evening hours. Parents are reportedly hesitant to send children to school, while elderly people fear going outside.
Residents have urged the local government, administration and concerned agencies to take immediate and effective measures to control stray and aggressive dogs, warning that the situation poses a serious public safety risk.
