Rabies Scare in UP: 200 Villagers Rush For Shots After Funeral Raita Triggers Panic

New Delhi: In a sudden health scare, nearly 200 people in Piprauli village of Uttar Pradesh's Budaun district turned up for rabies shots over the weekend. The panic began after villagers realised they had eaten raita made from the milk of a buffalo that later died from a suspected rabies infection.

What happened at the funeral?

On December 23, families in Piprauli gathered for a funeral ceremony where food, including raita made from buffalo milk, was served. Days later, news spread that the buffalo whose milk had been used had been bitten by a dog a few days earlier and had died on December 26, showing signs consistent with rabies.

When villagers learned this, many grew worried about the possibility of infection through the milk. Though boiling usually kills the rabies virus, fear of the disease spread quickly.

Why did so many seek vaccination?

Concerned residents, including men, women and young people, rushed to the Ujhani Community Health Centre to get precautionary anti-rabies shots. Health teams were on standby, and the centre stayed open through Saturday and Sunday to handle the large turnout.

The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rameshwar Mishra, said on Sunday that the decision to vaccinate was driven by caution. "Prevention is better than cure," he said.

"Everyone who had any doubts was given the anti-rabies vaccine. Normally, there is no risk of rabies after boiling the milk, but the vaccination was done to prevent any potential risk," Mishra added.

Is there any confirmed case?

So far, there have been no confirmed human rabies cases in the village. Health officials said the situation is under control and there is no sign of illness among those who ate the dish. Surveillance teams continue to watch the area to prevent misinformation and panic from spreading.

One of the villagers, who attended the ceremony, said the news of the buffalo's death and its earlier dog bite sparked the fear. "We didn't want to take chances," he said, echoing the sentiment of many who got vaccinated.