Sixteen people are being brought to Kathmandu from Rautahat for treatment after a person who was bitten by jackal a month ago died recently and another is reported to be critically ill.

The death of one of the injured on October 22 and deteriorating condition of another has caused widespread panic in the area, officials said.

At least 25 people are believed to have been bitten by a jackal in the morning of October 4 in Garuda municipality, Rautahat. Seventeen of them were brought to Kathmandu and immediately admitted to the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (STIDH), Teku.

Dr Bhim Acharya, director of Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, said pandemonium ensued the settlement as the news of another person suddenly falling ill filtered through. “The local authorities requested us to look into the case. We will treat them again at the Teku hospital,” said Dr Acharya.

A meeting of Director General of the Department of Health Services Dr Pushpa Chaudhary, Dr Ramesh Kharel, director of the STIDH and Dr Keshab Yogi of the World Health Organisation decided to ferry the patients to Kathmandu, according to Dr Acharya. 

Dr Kharel of the STIDH said there is very little they can do to save the lives of patients if they develop rabies. “All of the patients have been administered with the anti-rabies vaccine. As we cannot repeat the same antidote, they will be kept under observation for now,” said Dr Kharel.

Chief District Officer of Rautahat Nar Hari Baral said they could not send the critically ill person because of his condition.   

The EDCD is also planning to counsel the family members on zoonotic diseases and its threat. In case of jackal bite, experts advise, the wounds should be thoroughly washed. 

But if the bites are deep, they should not be covered and the patient should be taken to the nearest health institute immediately. 

The EDCD do not keep a record on jackal bite although each year sporadic cases are being reported in the country.