Oct 25, Kathmandu - Three people have died of rabies in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality of Dhading, near the federal capital Kathmandu, within three months. Among them, 52-year-old Lal Bahadur Praja Chepang and 72-year-old Kanchhi Maya Chepang of Bungpung, Benighat Rorang-6, died within a month's interval.

Before showing symptoms of rabies, both of these people had not been bitten by a dog, although they had been in close contact with the dog. According to Teknath Silwal, the ward chairman of the village, it is suspected that these people died of rabies through the saliva of the dog.

Similarly, another person from Benighat has also died due to rabies. 22-year-old Sheetal Chepang died last Ashadha. Sheetal was not bitten by any animal, but she had been in frequent contact with dogs. Rabies transmitted from the dog is suspected as the cause of her death.

Following this incident, the rural municipality has tested dogs and other animals for rabies and is also providing anti-rabies vaccination to the locals.