A sudden death that initially triggered fears of a rabies outbreak in Tamil Nadu’s Hosur district has now been attributed to an undiagnosed cardiac condition, authorities confirmed late Thursday, easing public anxiety that had gripped the industrial town since morning.
The deceased, 24-year-old V. Edwin from Thinnur village near Thalli in Krishnagiri district, was admitted to a government primary health centre on Wednesday with symptoms including fever, throat discomfort, and body pain. Initial reports from the local health unit listed his condition as “suspected rabies,” sparking alarm among healthcare workers and the local population.
Edwin was quickly referred to the Krishnagiri Government Hospital in Hosur, where he succumbed within hours. His body was sent for post-mortem, and preliminary findings painted a different picture: he had no signs of a dog bite, and electrocardiogram (ECG) and autopsy results confirmed left ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary edema — conditions consistent with sudden cardiac arrest.
Rabies Fear and a Rapid Medical Response
Despite the lack of a confirmed bite history, the suspicion of rabies led to widespread concern, prompting the health department to administer anti-rabies prophylaxis to over 20 individuals who had come in close contact with Edwin — including doctors, nurses, police personnel, and journalists.
Dr. V. Karthikeyan, a senior medical officer at the government hospital, said that the classification as a rabies case was made prematurely and without clinical justification. “There was no evidence of animal contact or neurological signs specific to rabies,” he noted. “The panic stemmed from a recording error and overcautious classification.”
Accountability and Disciplinary Measures
The local administration has since launched an internal review into the incident. The medical officer at the Thalli PHC, who initially noted a history of dog bite, is facing inquiry for procedural lapses and inaccurate documentation. “Misdiagnosis, especially in infectious disease cases, can create unnecessary panic,” said Krishnagiri District Collector C. Dinesh Kumar. “We are taking this matter seriously.”
The Health Department has also sent biological samples to NIMHANS in Bengaluru for rabies confirmation — though officials emphasize this is only a precautionary step to rule out rare or atypical presentations.
Public Health Messaging and Medical Accuracy
The episode has once again highlighted the thin line between vigilance and misinformation in public health responses. Experts point out that while aggressive action is warranted in confirmed rabies exposures, the mislabeling of symptoms — especially in high-alert scenarios — can erode public trust and divert resources.
“There’s a delicate balance in outbreak management,” said Dr. Renuka Iyer, an infectious disease specialist. “Protocols exist for a reason, but when they’re triggered without clinical clarity, they can cause more confusion than containment.”
Authorities have urged the public not to panic, reiterating that there is no evidence of a rabies outbreak in the region. Medical professionals have also been advised to strictly adhere to diagnostic guidelines before declaring infectious disease threats.
