Hyderabad sees highest rabies cases this year
Hyderabad: There is an alarming rise in dog bite cases and the resulting rabies in the state. According to data from Sir Ronald Ross Institute of Tropical and Communicable Diseases, Hyderabad -- the main centre for administrating vaccines-- the number of rabies will see the highest level this year.
While last year saw 15 cases, the number of cases this year has already reached 14 by May end this year.
Long queues of dog bite victims were seen at the centre. Dog bites are usually more in summer. As temperature comes down, the number of cases also becomes fewer. However, this time around, dog bite cases are going up even as summer is behind us.
Sources said, the population of strays in the city has gone up resulting in a substantial rise in stray dog menace and pet dog bites.
Krishna, 14, a resident of Mancherial, was bitten by a pet dog of his house owner a week ago. The primary treatment was done at RHC Narsingi after which he visited the centre for anti-rabies vaccine ‘Rabies Immune Globulins ‘RIG’ .
Mohd Awaiz, a dog bite victim from Chanchalguda, said, “There are scores of stray dogs in our locality. Everyday, there is a dog bite case in our locality. We keep complaining to GHMC authorities, but in vain.” The stray dog population is multiplying, he added.
Dr Jayalakshmi, resident medical officer, said, “Awareness has to grow among common people. They should be taught on how to stay safe from strays. Rabies is fatal and hence cannot be ignored.”
Dr Anil Kumar, professor at the institute, said, “Rabies is incurable, it results in 100 percent fatality. This may result from bites by dogs, cats, rats, bats and wild animals. Rabies Immune Globulins need to be applied on the wound and RIG should be taken earliest or before seven days.” Those having pet dogs should be taken preventive vaccines so that anti-bodies develop in their bodies, he added.
Rabies symptoms
It takes around three months for rabies to develop.
Once infected, the infected person becomes aggressive and develops neurological disorders.
Body condition deteriorates and hydrophobia and aerophobia are witnessed.
Negri bodies are deposited in the cells by the ingested saliva of the dog which act act on the nervous system.
First aid is the most important.
After a bite, the wound should be washed for 15 minute under running water and with soap water.
It is advisable to keep the wound open, sutures are not advisable.
Rush to the medical practitioner at the earliest.
Dog bites and rabies
Year Dog bites Rabies
2019 21,187
2020 15,315
2021 20,594
2022 21,416
2023 27,172
This year, so far
Jan. 2,731 1
Feb. 2,548 7
March 2,644 2
April 2,709 2
May 2,789 2