Ludhiana: Health department officials on Friday cleared seven members of a Jagraon-based family of suspected rabies after a high-priority medical evaluation at Chandigarh Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).The group, which includes a couple, their three children, and two nephews, was rushed to Chandigarh on Thursday as a “precautionary and preventive step” following reports of potential symptoms. While the family had a history of canine exposure — including one bite and several licks — clinical examinations ruled out the deadly virus.Protocol and DiagnosisLudhiana civil surgeon, Dr Ramandeep Kaur, clarified that the referral to a tertiary care center was mandatory under standard health protocols to rule out any risk to the patients or the public. Doctors at PGIMER confirmed that none of the patients showed clinical evidence of rabies. Three family members were treated with anti-rabies serum at the Government Multi-speciality Hospital (Sector 16), while the remaining four received vaccinations at PGI.“Rabies symptoms do not appear immediately,” noted a senior member of the faculty from PGI’s internal medicine department. All seven patients are stable and have been scheduled for a follow-up at the infectious disease clinic in one week. Immediately following the scare, health department teams launched a field operation at the village of Kothe Jiwe to prevent a potential outbreak.Village Survey ResultsHathur senior medical officer (SMO), Dr Aman Sharma, and a team of paramedics conducted a comprehensive survey at Kothe Jiwe, examining 100-odd residents. No further symptoms were found among the villagers. Simultaneously, officials from the animal husbandry department examined the family’s pet dog to assess its condition and vaccination history. The health department reaffirmed its commitment to transparent reporting and continued monitoring of the Malwa region for any further cases. boxPublic Health AdvisoryThe health department has urged residents to remain calm, stating that there is currently no threat to public health in the Jagraon area. Civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur emphasised that the department remained vigilant and encouraged the following steps for all residents.Immediate Reporting | Any animal bite or scratch must be reported to the nearest govt health facilityStandard Care | Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes before seeking medical helpVaccination Completion | If prescribed, the full course of the anti-rabies vaccine must be completed to ensure protection
