Northeast Desk, 18th September: A 32-year-old nurse, Gracetyfull Marngar, tragically succumbed to rabies on Monday at Civil Hospital Shillong, following a bite from stray puppies two months ago. The incident has prompted health officials to consider expanding vaccine availability to prevent similar fatalities.
Marngar, a Mid-Level Health Provider at Tynghor Health Sub Centre in West Khasi Hills District, had not received anti-rabies vaccination after the bite, according to Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh. The minister confirmed the case on Tuesday, September 17, and announced the government’s proposal to make anti-rabies vaccines more accessible, even at the sub-centre level.
Despite weeks of treatment at Civil Hospital Shillong, Marngar, who had developed severe rabies symptoms, could not be saved. Her death highlights the need for immediate vaccination following exposure to rabies.
Marngar leaves behind her husband and their one-year-old child. Her funeral will take place on Wednesday, September 18, at the Catholic Church Cemetery in Laitkseh, West Khasi Hills.