Kottayam: A migrant worker bitten by a rabid dog has gone missing, prompting the Health Department to seek police assistance in locating him.
The missing labourer is reportedly unaware that the dog which bit him has since tested positive for rabies. On the night of September 17, a stray dog attacked 11 people, including a four-year-old child. Among the victims were two migrant workers, Lukku and Dinesh Kumar, both based in Thiruvananthapuram. Both had received their first dose of the anti-rabies vaccine.

While health officials have traced Dinesh Kumar and confirmed that he is continuing with his vaccination schedule, Lukku remains untraceable. Authorities at the District General Hospital are now preparing to lodge a formal complaint with the Kottayam West Police to help locate him.

Initial efforts to track Lukku were hampered due to the absence of a photograph. However, hospital authorities have now obtained his image from CCTV footage, which will be submitted with the police complaint.

All 11 victims were administered the initial dose of the anti-rabies vaccine at the District General Hospital and Kottayam Medical College. They were advised to complete the remaining doses on the 3rd, 7th, and 28th days following the first injection.

Although the first dose was given before the rabies diagnosis was confirmed, officials emphasised that the vaccine is only effective if the full course is completed. Lukku, however, has not returned to the hospital since receiving his initial shot.

The dog responsible for the attacks was later confirmed rabid by the Animal Husbandry Department following its death. In response, emergency vaccination drives were carried out for stray dogs across Kottayam to prevent further outbreaks.