Child dies of rabies after eating biscuit meant for dog, mother also infected

A four-year-old child has died of rabies in Bhairab, Kishoreganj, after eating a discarded biscuit that had been given to a neighbour's pet dog. The child's mother has also been infected with rabies and is undergoing treatment at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka, according to the family.

The child, Robiul Mia, 4, son of Mizan Mia of Kalipur village in Bhairab municipality, died on the way to Dhaka for advanced treatment on Friday afternoon, July 17.

According to locals, Robiul was playing in front of his house on June 28 when his neighbour gave a biscuit to their pet dog. The dog ate half of the biscuit and left the rest, which Robiul picked up and ate. He fell ill shortly after.

The family said the child was first taken to Bhairab Upazila Health Complex, but as no rabies vaccine was available there, he was given the vaccine at Ashuganj Upazila Health Complex. His condition deteriorated on Wednesday, and he was admitted to a local hospital. He was referred to Dhaka from Jahurul Islam Medical College Hospital but died on the way.

The child's father, Mizan Mia, alleged that the neighbours regularly fed their pet dog in the open area in front of their house. Despite being told multiple times, they did not take it seriously. He demanded justice for the negligence that led to his son's death.

Bhairab Police Station Inspector Limon Bose said police have visited the spot. The child's body has been sent to Kishoreganj Sadar Hospital for autopsy. The incident is being investigated, and legal action will be taken based on the findings.