Scratched by pet cat; 11-year-old girl dies in Pandalam despite receiving vaccine

PATHANAMTHITTA: An 11-year-old girl who was receiving treatment after being scratched by a pet cat has died. The deceased has been identified as Hanna Fathima, daughter of Pandalam native Ashraf and Sajina. She was a Class 6 student. The incident occurred last Wednesday when Hanna was scratched by the pet cat at home. She was taken to the local Family Health Centre for treatment and later referred to Adoor Taluk Hospital to receive the anti-rabies vaccine.

After getting the first dose, she returned home and went back to the Pandalam Family Health Centre on Monday for the second dose. Shortly after coming home, she began feeling unwell and was taken back to the hospital. From there, doctors referred her to the Pathanamthitta District Hospital.

After her condition worsened at the district hospital, she was shifted to the Kottayam Medical College. She died while undergoing treatment there. Hospital authorities are claiming that the cause of death was not due to the cat scratch. The Health Department stated that samples have been sent for expert testing to determine the exact cause of death.

There is suspicion that the child might have been affected by dengue or Nipah virus. However, the family has not filed any official complaint regarding the death. The funeral will take place on Friday at the Kadakkad Muslim Juma Masjid.