Rabies checkImage Credit Source: Getty Images
Rabies in India: In a country like India, where thousands of people become victims of fatal disease like rabies after dog bites every year, the government and health agencies have now intensified the steps towards completely eliminating the deaths of this disease. A study in ICMR-NIE Chennai has revealed many important facts, which show that every year deaths can be stopped from rabies, just timely awareness and treatment is needed.
NIE has stated the data of its study, saying that every year there are about 5700 deaths in India, which is a matter of concern. Along with this, every year there are more than 9 million incidents of animal bites ie animal bites in the country, of which two thirds are due to the bite of dogs. Many of these people do not get treatment on time and they have to pay the price of this negligence by giving their lives. The surprising thing is that a large part of the deaths from rabies comes from rural areas, where the facility of awareness and treatment is still limited.
Rabies is 100% preventive disease
Steet of Epidemiology, (NIE) Dr. Manoj Murhekar, Director of Chennai It is said that rabies is such a disease that is 100% to be stopped if it is identified in time. Despite this, it still remains fatal due to the negligence of the people, ignorance and lack of correct information. It is very important to clean the wound immediately after the dog bite, and to install anti-rebase vaccine on time.
Lack of awareness is the biggest cause behind deaths
ICMR and NIE study clearly revealed that in most cases people do not know what rabies are or what should be done after dog bites. The report states that more than 50% of people do not take first aid, and a large number of people do not even get anti-rebbit injections. Which later causes death.
Government’s target: Zero Death Dee to Rabies by 2030
The Government of India has set a target of not a single death from rabies by 2030 in collaboration with WHO (World Health Organization). For this, the Ministry of Health, Local Administration, Animal Husbandry Department and many NGOs are running awareness campaigns together. Giving information about rabies in schools, panchayats and rural areas, vaccinating dogs and vaccination of roads is an important part of this campaign.
Rabies prevention measures that everyone should know:
After the bite of a dog or an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water for 10-15 minutes.
Immediately go to the nearest hospital and get anti rabies injection (ARV).
Keep the wound open, avoid applying any indigenous remedy or domestic thing.
Monitor the cutting animal. If he remains normal for 10 days, the danger is low.
Get pets regularly vaccinated rabies.