17 injured in suspected rabid fox attack in Patan village

Palanpur: At least 17 people were injured after a wild animal, suspected by villagers to be a rabid fox, attacked residents sleeping outdoors and near their homes in Vouva village of Santalpur taluka in Patan district after midnight on Saturday.

Three of the injured, who suffered serious bite wounds, are still undergoing treatment. A girl sustained a severe bite on her cheek, while an elderly woman suffered a deep wound on her scalp. Several others were bitten on different parts of their bodies, causing panic in the village.

The injured were rushed to GMERS Medical College and Hospital in Dharpur. Dr Akash Patel, medical officer at the hospital, said around 15 patients had arrived since 6am.

“All the patients were given immunoglobulin, while three patients with more severe bite injuries remain under treatment,” Dr Patel said.

The forest department is yet to identify the animal responsible for the attacks. While villagers believe it was a rabid fox, forest officials said the species would be confirmed only after analysing pugmarks and completing other technical investigations.

Forest department teams visited the area, examined pugmarks and recorded statements from residents as part of the probe. Officials said the pugmarks indicated that the animal had emerged from the scrubland and crossed under the fencing. Bloodstains were also found nearby.

The forest department has advised villagers to remain cautious, as the animal may still be in the area. DeshGujarat