With more than 3,000 monthly cases, dog bite menace in Chandigarh far from over

Indian Express

2 days ago

The recent death of a state-level kabaddi player from rabies after rescuing a puppy from a drain, and another fatal case in Sirsa where a woman bitten by a stray dog succumbed to the disease, have brought the menace of dog bites and rabies back into sharp focus.
In Chandigarh, the fear is palpable. Years ago, a six-year-old from Manimajra died at the PGIMER after a rabid dog bit her on the face. In another case, an 11-year-old was mauled by a stray dog that also attacked several others. A class 2 girl in Sector 13, chased by a pack of dogs, died of a panic attack. Such incidents have forced many, especially senior citizens and children, indoors, too afraid to walk in their sectors, visit markets, or take a stroll in parks, where packs of stray dogs are now a common sight.
Fresh data from the UT Health Department reveals that from January to July this year, Chandigarh has recorded 23,198 dog bite cases. July alone saw 4,018 cases, and each month this year has averaged over 3,000 incidents. Meanwhile, neighbouring Panchkula has reported over 3,000 dog bite cases this year.
'Cases of rabies are referred to the PGIMER, while dog bite victims are treated at Sector 19 and Sector 38 dispensaries,' Dr Suman Singh, Director, Health Services, said.
Calling for accountability from those who feed stray dogs, Singh added: 'Animal lovers who feed dogs should also take complete responsibility for their vaccination, shelter, and medical needs. Common people cannot be made vulnerable, there has to be safety and security for them.'
Others said the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, should neuter stray dogs and provide a designated feeding area in sectors.
For Harjit Lakhari, a retired mathematics teacher in Sector 11, the fear is now a part of daily life. 'For the last five years, I have stopped going for walks in my sector or to the Leisure Valley. Packs of stray dogs chase residents. We are scared of falling, breaking our bones, and ending up in the hospital with dog bites. It is unfair that for no fault of ours, we have to be confined to our homes,' the 69-year-old said.
Costly treatment
While anti-rabies vaccines are available free of cost at government facilities, Human Rabies Immune Globulin — needed for deeper wounds — can cost up to Rs 15,000 in private care.
India accounts for over one-third of global rabies deaths, according to The Lancet. National Health Profile data shows 2,863 rabies cases nationwide between 2005 and 2020.
Expert advice
Experts stress that even after minor exposure — such as licks on intact skin, nibbling of uncovered skin, or small scratches without bleeding — the wound must be washed with mild soap and running water for at least 15 minutes to reduce viral load. 'The victim must rush to the nearest health facility where doctors can begin treatment and vaccination. This must not be ignored,' Singh said.