Xi'an scrutinizes rabies vaccines

Authorities in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, will overhaul the rabies vaccine industry after a local woman died 28 days after being bitten by a rabid dog.

The woman, surnamed Long, received four vaccination doses at intervals in a hospital in Xi'an. Her death, first reported in Hongxing News, fueled a public outcry, with many questioning the quality of the rabies vaccine. The news article attracted nearly 5,000 comments on Sina Weibo.

Authorities from the Xi'an Food and Drug Administration said they would investigate the storage, transportation and use of rabies vaccines in the city. An investigation will also be conducted to find out how outpatient services personnel have handled exposure to rabies.