Girl dies of rabies despite taking vaccine: Has virus undergone mutation? samples to be sent for genetic testing

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the event that six people died in the state recently after being bitten by dogs despite taking the antirabies vaccine, steps have been taken to see if the virus has undergone mutation to survive the vaccine. The government has decided to send the samples collected from the deceased to the Pune Institute of Virology for genetic testing.

Genetic variation that renders vaccines ineffective is extremely rare in rabies. Experts say that the rabies virus has no chance of undergoing genetic change. However, in 2010, a study of rabies viruses in China found strains of the virus that survived existing antirabies vaccines. It is to be seen if the presence of this virus strain is in Kerala.

A new vaccine is the only solution if there are rabies viruses that survive the vaccine. There is also a strong concern regarding the effectiveness of the vaccine distributed in the state. Kerala Medical Services Corporation is arguing that quality vaccine is being purchased. However, there is no proper answer as to whether the vaccine is kept in a proper refrigeration system in hospitals. Antirabies vaccine and immunoglobulin must be taken out of the refrigeration system only at the time of injection. However, it is alleged that the staff are not following this properly at several hospitals.