Kushtia
42 injured after being bitten by a dog
Photo: Agamir Somoy
The streets are usually busy with people heading home as evening falls. Some return home while others go out for a walk. However, the familiar scene turned into panic on Wednesday (October 7) evening. At least 42 people including children and women were injured after a rabid dog suddenly and recklessly attacked people in the Hall Bazar, Amtala and Indra Mor areas of Kumarkhali municipal town.
The dog suddenly moved around different parts of the town and attacked pedestrians. People began running in panic within moments. Local residents later rushed to the scene, rescued the injured and took them to Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex.
A busy scene was seen at the hospital. People injured by dog bites or scratches were arriving for treatment. The atmosphere at the hospital became tense as worried relatives gathered and patients cried out in pain. Nurses and doctors immediately began cleaning the wounds with soap and water before administering rabies vaccines.
One of the injured, Rokon, said he was standing normally in the Hall Bazar area of the town. Suddenly, a rabid dog came from behind, bit him on the knee and ran away within moments.
Another local resident, Alif Hossain, said, “When I came to the hospital in the evening, I saw patients everywhere. People are coming from different parts of the town after being bitten by the rabid dog. If the dog is not caught or brought under control in time, a major incident could occur.”
Hospital authorities said rabies vaccines were being supplied and administered on an emergency basis following special instructions from the authorities after the incident. So far, 17 people have been given vaccines. As the remaining injured people arrive at the hospital, they are also receiving necessary treatment and vaccines in phases.
Meanwhile, the local administration has taken action to identify the dog quickly and ease the panic among residents.
Kumarkhali Upazila Executive Officer (Acting) and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Navid Sarwar said that immediately after receiving the information, hospital authorities were instructed to give the injured the highest priority in treatment. He added that necessary steps were also being taken by the administration to catch the dog quickly.
