78 Children Vaccinated Against Rabies After Dog Contaminates Mid-Day Meal in Baloda Bazar

In Baloda Bazar district, Chhattisgarh, 78 schoolchildren were administered anti-rabies vaccines following a concerning incident at a government school. A stray dog contaminated the mid-day meal served to students. Despite awareness of the contamination, the food was still served, prompting health officials to take precautionary measures. The incident occurred on July 29th at the government middle school in Lachhanpur, Palari block. Following the incident, an investigation into the matter has been launched. According to reports, the dog had contaminated the vegetables prepared for the meal. While some students informed teachers, the self-help group responsible for preparing the meal ignored the warnings and served the contaminated vegetables to the students, with at least 84 students consuming the meal. Parents have demanded action and the removal of the self-help group, expressing their dissatisfaction with the school management’s oversight. The health center in charge clarified that the vaccine was given as a precaution, with no adverse effects reported from the initial dose, and was administered at the request of villagers, parents, and members of the SMC (School Management Committee).