This is a deeply disturbing set of news headlines. they all relate to a tragic case: a 17-year-old boy named Hasan who died from rabies after being attacked by dogs in Diyarbakır, Turkey.
Here’s a breakdown of what the headlines tell us:
* Hasan died from rabies. This is the central, heartbreaking fact.
* Latest images have been revealed. News outlets are publishing pictures of hasan, likely related to his condition before his death. (It’s crucial to note that sharing images of suffering can be exploitative and perhaps traumatizing.)
* Dog attacks in Diyarbakır. The source of the rabies infection was dog bites.
* The news is being reported by multiple Turkish news sources: Sabah and GZT are both Turkish news organizations.
Important Considerations & why This is Concerning:
* Rabies is preventable. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it’s preventable with prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – a series of vaccinations and sometimes immune globulin. The fact that a 17-year-old died of rabies suggests a breakdown in access to or awareness of PEP.
* Stray dog populations. Rabies is often linked to stray dog populations. This case may highlight issues with animal control and public health infrastructure in the region.
* Sensationalism. The phrasing “BREAKING NEWS: He died from rabies! When you see the water…” is particularly alarming and potentially exploitative. It suggests a dramatic or shocking element to the images, which is insensitive to the family and traumatic for readers.
If you are feeling distressed by this news, please reach out for support. Here are some resources:
* Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
* The National alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or https://www.nami.org/
* The Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
