Chennai Man Dies of Rabies Despite Full Vaccine Course, Sparks Concern Over Stray Dog Crisis

A 47-year-old auto driver from Royapettah, Chennai, died of rabies on Sunday even though he had taken all five doses of the anti-rabies vaccine.

Muhammed Nazrudeen was bitten by a stray dog on July 28 and treated at Royapettah Government Hospital. Weeks later, he developed symptoms of rabies and was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) on Saturday. Doctors said he showed irritability, a key rabies symptom, and later died of cardiac arrest. He had also been given immunoglobulin shots along with the vaccine.

Nazrudeen’s son, Mohammed Samuruden, told a local TV channel that his father first experienced fever, body pain, and shortness of breath. He also developed hydrophobia (fear of water), a classic sign of rabies. A private hospital had advised immediate transfer to RGGGH, where his condition worsened, and he was kept in isolation before becoming aggressive.

Chennai reports nearly 30,000 dog-bite cases every year, but authorities rarely launch preventive drives. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) usually reacts only after major attacks, while many individual bite cases go unnoticed. Officials said they were not even aware of Nazrudeen’s dog bite until after his death.

In response, GCC announced it will capture at least 150 stray dogs in Royapettah on Monday to administer anti-rabies vaccines. Awareness programmes are also being planned in schools and for the general public, with appeals for residents to immediately report bite cases.

Residents, however, remain frustrated. “Even when complaints are made, the Corporation ignores them. They fail to vaccinate and sterilize street dogs, and people are left to suffer,” said S. Sethuraman from the Karthikeyapuram Residents Welfare Association in Madipakkam.

Nazrudeen’s death has once again highlighted gaps in the city’s rabies control measures. While experts stress that timely vaccines and immunoglobulin can prevent the disease, poor follow-up, lack of awareness, and uncontrolled stray dog populations continue to put thousands at risk each year.