📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Ayush
Health
450 Gorakhpur villagers receive rabies vaccine after consuming charanamrit at Durga Puja
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 23 Oct 2026, 10:16 AM
👁 11
Health officials in Gorakhpur administered rabies prophylaxis to 450 villagers who ate charanamrit during Durga Puja, fearing possible contamination.
During the recent Durga Puja celebrations in Gorakhpur, a batch of charanamrit – a sacred offering traditionally distributed to devotees – was consumed by villagers. Shortly after the ceremony, concerns arose that the preparation might have been contaminated with rabies virus, prompting local authorities to act swiftly.
The district health department launched an emergency vaccination drive, providing post‑exposure rabies prophylaxis to 450 individuals who had ingested the charanamrit. The anti‑rabies vaccine, administered in a series of doses, was given at government health centres under the supervision of medical officers.
Officials clarified that the precautionary measure was taken because the source of the contamination could not be ruled out, although no human rabies cases have been reported so far. The health team is monitoring the vaccinated persons for any symptoms and has urged the community to report any unusual health issues immediately.
A senior health officer emphasized that the rapid response aims to prevent a potential outbreak and advised residents to ensure that religious offerings are prepared under hygienic conditions in the future.
The district health department launched an emergency vaccination drive, providing post‑exposure rabies prophylaxis to 450 individuals who had ingested the charanamrit. The anti‑rabies vaccine, administered in a series of doses, was given at government health centres under the supervision of medical officers.
Officials clarified that the precautionary measure was taken because the source of the contamination could not be ruled out, although no human rabies cases have been reported so far. The health team is monitoring the vaccinated persons for any symptoms and has urged the community to report any unusual health issues immediately.
A senior health officer emphasized that the rapid response aims to prevent a potential outbreak and advised residents to ensure that religious offerings are prepared under hygienic conditions in the future.