Snake bite likely behind death of 2 infant siblings

JAMMU: Preliminary investigation conducted in the death of two infants in Rajouri after following routine immunisation at a Sub-Health center, had indicated that suspected snake bites could be the reason behind their tragic death.
However, the blood samples and skin samples collected from the dead bodies of the two sisters has been sent to Forensic Science Laboratory, Jammu for Chemical and Toxicological analysis.
As per reports, the two sisters, aged 5 months and 18 months had died following routine immunisation at Sub-center Barnada in Sunderbani the intervening night of 17th and 18th July.
“On the 17th July, the deceased children were vaccinated at 12.00 pm at Sub-center Barnada in Sunderbani. The 5 months old girl was given Injection Pentavalent, Polio drops and Injectable Polio –Ist dose while 1½ years old girl was given DPT-booster, MR and Oral Polio,” an official statement by Chief Medical Officer of Rajouri said.
The deceased children were normal on the day of vaccination.
“The deceased took their last meals at about 6.00 pm on the same day and went to sleep in their house after the meals. On 18th July 2019, the both were found dead at about 4.00 am,” the reports said.
Following the incident, the bodies were shifted to SDH Sunderbani and post-mortems were conducted by a Board of Doctors including Paediatrician, Pathologist and Physician.
“During autopsy, on external examination, two suspected snake bite were found on the body of 5 month old child and one snake bite mark was found on the body of 1½ -years -old child” CMO Rajouri Anis Altaf Nabi, said.
Anis visited the Sub-Health Centre Barnada and seized all the used vials for further investigation. He also paid a visit to the resident of the deceased to cross check the proceedings of mishap.