A video of a five-year-old child making cat-like “meow” sounds after reportedly being scratched by a pet cat has gone viral on social media in Bheramara, Kushtia, sparking widespread discussion and curiosity.
However, doctors say the child has shown no signs of rabies.
The child, Mustarin Adrita, is the daughter of banker Sabbir Hossain from the Bahirchar 16 Dag area of Bheramara Upazila. She was taken to Kushtia Sadar Hospital on August 17 after being scratched by a cat, where she received a rabies vaccine. She was later referred to Dhaka on Sunday morning for further treatment.
According to local sources, the family had kept the cat as a pet. The cat reportedly scratched the child around six months ago, after which she was vaccinated against rabies. It remains unclear whether the cat itself had rabies.
The video circulating online shows the child displaying unusual behavior and making sounds resembling those of a cat.
Dr. Iqbal Hossain, Resident Medical Officer at Kushtia Sadar Hospital, confirmed that the child was given necessary treatment and a rabies vaccine. He said no symptoms of rabies were detected in the child.
Regarding the unusual behavior and “meowing,” Dr. Iqbal said there is no evidence that these behaviors were caused by rabies. Such behavior can also occur as a result of fear, anxiety or severe psychological stress, he explained.
The child is currently receiving treatment in Dhaka, although her family has not disclosed which hospital she has been admitted to.
