Latest news with #NationalRabiesControlProgramme
India Today
2 days ago
- Health
- India Today
India's alarming animal bite cases highlight urgent need for rabies control
India has seen a worrying surge in animal bite cases, especially those caused by stray and authorities are raising alarms about the link between these bites and rabies, a deadly disease that can almost always be prevented with timely Rise in Animal Bite CasesIn 2024 alone, India recorded over 22 lakh (2.2 million) dog bite cases and more than 5 lakh cases involving other animals like monkeys. Reports indicate that nearly 20% of bite victims are children under the age of 15, making this a serious public health concern. The trend is especially visible in urban areas, but rural regions are also heavily Some cities and states have seen dramatic jumps in reported bites. For example, Noida witnessed a 31% increase in cases in a single year, and Ludhiana's numbers have more than doubled since 2021. Across the nation, cases have jumped by nearly 70% from 2022 to 2024. With millions of reported bites each year and the numbers still climbing, the risk of rabies exposure has sharply Is This Happening?The main culprits behind human rabies are stray dogs, which account for about 96% of cases in India. Several challenges make the problem worse:Unchecked stray animal population, especially dogsInadequate animal birth control and vaccination programsLack of public awareness of how to prevent bites and seek help after exposurePoor access in some areas to anti-rabies clinics and life-saving treatmentsThe Danger of RabiesRabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms set in, but it is entirely preventable if treated immediately after an animal bite. On average, dozens of people die from rabies every year in India, with children and the elderly at higher risk. The real number could be higher, as not all cases get Can Be Done?Experts and health authorities are calling for urgent, coordinated measures:Mass dog vaccination: This is the most effective way to control rabies at its source. States like Goa have shown that targeting dog vaccination and population management can lead to a sharp drop in human rabies animal population control: Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs are being expanded and are essential for long-term public awareness: People need to know that washing animal bite wounds with soap and seeking medical help immediately can save and accessible anti-rabies treatment: More anti-rabies clinics are being set up, and vaccination and immune globulin are provided free through national programs like the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP).Rapid response for bite cases: Prompt administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and, in some cases, rabies InitiativesIndia has launched the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Dog-Mediated Rabies (NAPRE) with a target to be rabies-free by 2030. The government is also pushing for strict enforcement of rules on animal welfare and dog population Should You Do If Bitten?Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and a healthcare facility for immediate anti-rabies the full vaccination schedule as advised by the incident to the authorities if it involves a stray bites in India have become a public health crisis, with millions at risk of a deadly but preventable disease. Stronger rabies prevention, more effective animal control, and public education are urgently needed to save lives and work towards a rabies-free future(Dr. Sadanand D Raut is a consultant physician and renowned animal bite (snakebite) expert based at Vighnahar Nursing Home, Narayangaon, Pune, celebrated for his pioneering work in snakebite treatment and Mission Zero Snakebite Deaths. He and his team have saved thousands of lives in rural Maharashtra, earning him recognition on the World Health Organization's roster of experts for snakebite envenoming.- Ends
Hindustan Times
31-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Dog bite cases surge in Punjab, 1.5 lakh cases reported in first 6 months
With an average of around 840 dog bite cases reported daily, Punjab has witnessed a sharp increase in incidents this year. In the first six months of 2025, the state has recorded over 1.5 lakh dog bite cases, with Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Patiala being as the worst-affected districts, accounting for nearly 36% or 53,432 cases. With an average of around 840 dog bite cases reported daily, Punjab has witnessed a sharp increase in incidents this year. In the first six months of 2025, the state has recorded over 1.5 lakh dog bite cases, with Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Patiala being as the worst-affected districts, accounting for nearly 36% or 53,432 cases. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representational image) Last year, the state reported a total of 2.13 lakh dog bite cases. The data, accessed by HT, has revealed a steady jump in cases over the past few years. From 1.10 lakh cases reported in 2020, the number of dog bite cases has gone up to 2.13 lakh in 2024, a rise of more than 1 lakh in four years. Three deaths have been reported this year. Last month, a mother-daughter duo died of rabies in Pathankot, and on July 17, a 32-year-old man succumbed in Patiala after being bitten by a stray dog. Dr Sumeet Singh, district nodal officer of the National Rabies Control Programme, said that rabies is 100% fatal. 'Of the total cases of dog bites, nearly 70% of the cases were from stray dogs. People should immediately rush to the nearest government health centres for treatment, which is free. People should not be ignorant at all. Punjab government has now extended treatment of dog bite cases to all the Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state,' he said. Failure of sterilisation programmes The senior officials from the local bodies department admitted that the animal birth control (ABC) programme has failed to deliver the desired results across Punjab, particularly in major cities. 'Most of the municipal corporations in Punjab have outsourced the sterilisation of dogs to private agencies, but this has not yielded effective outcomes. Sterilisation remains the only scientifically proven method to control the stray dog population and, in turn, reduce dog bite incidents,' said a senior official, who didn't wish to be named. An expert epidemiologist said that of the total dog bite cases, more than 50% of patients had grade-3 wounds, who needed immunoglobulin to be administered before the dog bite vaccine, said the epidemiologist. A grade-3 dog bite is a single or multiple transdermal bite with contamination of the mucous membrane with saliva. 'The grade-3 bite requires anti-rabies serum (ARS) before the anti-rabies vaccine, to make the dose effective. Without ARS, the vaccine is of no use as the victim may die within a few days,' the expert said. Patiala municipal corporation commissioner Paramvir Singh said after seeing a rise in the cases, they have stopped outsourcing the sterilisation programme. 'Instead of giving a contract for the sterilisation of stray dogs to a third party, we have decided to carry it out ourselves. We have got three veterinary surgeons with us, and we will sterilise 50 dogs per day in the coming weeks,' he said. Dr Sandeep Jain, co-opted member, Animal Welfare Board of India, said a lack of follow-up and accountability in sterilisation efforts has seen a sharp rise in the dog population. 'In rural areas, panchayats are not involved in the ABC programme. There is no accountability in rural and semi-urban areas. In rural areas, stray dogs get used to eating animal flesh because of designated places for the disposal of dead animals. If these strays don't get animal flesh, they start biting people. If the government sterilises 70% of the stray dog population in a year, then dog bite cases will start to decline,' he said. No SOP for dog bite compensation The Punjab health department is yet to issue standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the government doctors on whose diagnosis the compensation for dog bite cases would be fixed. The department had constituted a five-member committee to formulate SOPs following the order of the Punjab and Haryana high court, last year, announcing the compensation of ₹10,000 for each tooth mark and that of ₹20,000 for every 0.2 cm of wound where the flesh is torn off. One of the five committee members, pleading anonymity, told HT that they had already formulated the SOP, but the department did not issue it to the doctors. Dr Arshdeep Kaur, state nodal officer, did not respond to repeated calls and text messages.
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Business Standard
29-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Rise in stray dog bites turns Indian streets unsafe for children, elderly
India is witnessing a sharp rise in dog bite cases, with over 3.7 million incidents and 54 confirmed human rabies deaths reported in 2024. The figures, compiled by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the National Rabies Control Programme, highlight the growing public health challenge. Analysis of data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shows that incidents of dog bite in India have increased by nearly 70 per cent between 2022 and 2024, signalling a larger systemic failure in managing stray dog populations. Deaths caused by rabies also witnessed a sharp increase during the period. This trend threatens India's target of eliminating rabies by 2030 under its National Rabies Control Programme. Elderly and children are more vulnerable Children are particularly at risk due to their vulnerable size, limited awareness, and tendency to interact with animals. Experts note that younger children are more likely to suffer bites to the head, neck or face, making injuries more severe and traumatic. According to Health Ministry data, dog bite cases involving children under 15 were reported across India between January and December 2024 with most attacks involving stray dogs in residential neighbourhoods, school zones, or while playing outdoors. The elderly are also vulnerable to dog bites due to slower reflexes, reduced mobility, and sensory impairments like poor vision or hearing, which make it harder to detect or respond to aggressive behaviour of stray animals. The use of walking aids can also startle stray dogs, while underlying health conditions and weakened immunity increase the risk of complications from even minor bites. Centre and civic bodies plan action On July 28, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the growing problem of stray dog attacks across the country, particularly those leading to rabies and fatalities. The court's action came after it came across a report in The Times of India titled 'City hounded by strays and kids pay price', highlighting the dire situation in urban areas like Delhi where children are frequent victims. The move underscores the urgent need for stronger intervention, especially in capital cities struggling to contain the crisis. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has announced plans to form dedicated committees and establish shelter homes to better control and manage the city's growing stray dog population. A citywide survey is also being planned to estimate the current number of community dogs on Delhi's streets- a much-needed move, as the last dog census was conducted in 2016 and only covered the southern region. The survey had revealed that just 40.3 per cent of male dogs and 27.8 per cent of female dogs had been sterilised. Animal welfare experts and civic authorities agree that mass sterilisation, timely vaccination, and increased community awareness are essential strategies to curb the stray dog population and reduce bite incidents.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Push against diarrhoea deaths in kids
Chandigarh: To safeguard the health of young children in the state, Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday launched the 'STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2025'. The two-month-long initiative aims to prevent mortality among children under five. The minister also unveiled awareness posters. Dr Balbir Singh emphasised: "Diarrhoea is a major cause of child deaths — each one a tragic and avoidable loss. This campaign is our pledge to protect every child with awareness, prevention, and timely treatment." He said the health department would adopt a prevent-protect-treat (PPT) strategy, targeting high-risk monsoon months. The state will deploy door-to-door ORS-Zinc kit distribution through ASHA workers. Besides, ORS-Zinc corners will be established at all health institutions and Anganwadis, and health workers' skills will be enhanced to manage cases effectively. "No child should die from a treatable condition. We are ensuring ORS, Zinc, IV fluids, and antibiotics are available at every health facility," said the minister. Underlining the need for awareness, Dr Balbir Singh he said the campaign prioritises community mobilisation for handwashing, safe drinking water, exclusive breastfeeding, sanitation, and immunisation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Urban Ascent by Emaar 4 BHK Apartments Starting at ₹ 5.25 Cr* on Dwarka E-Way , Near Gurugram Emaar India Get Quote Undo "Diarrhoea is preventable — clean hands, clean water, and timely care can save lives," urged the minister. He called for the participation of panchayati raj leaders, self-help groups, teachers, and parents to champion the cause. Dr Balbir Singh said Punjab had been fostering inter-departmental collaboration with education, women child department, water and sanitation, and rural development department to address diarrhoea's root causes. "This is not just a health issue, it's a battle for Punjab's future. Together, we will break the chain of infection," he asserted. The minister made an appeal to keep the surroundings clean, use safe water, and act fast if diarrhoea strikes — start ORS-Zinc immediately and seek medical help. He also advocated drinking local drinks such as lemonade (shikanji) as the intake of liquids is essential for hydration. Fight against rabies A memorandum of understanding (MoU), under the National Rabies Control Programme, was signed between the health department and Peedu – an animal welfare NGO located in Mohali – to facilitate coordinated efforts towards the preparation of the State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination by 2030. The initiative involves the engagement of various stakeholders, along with the training of health staff and counselling sessions at anti-rabies clinics in district Mohali, with the scope for future expansion across the state. MSID:: 122515974 413 |
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
3,460 dog bite cases in Barwani & Khargone
Barwani: A surge in dog bite cases in Barwani and Khargone districts has sparked alarm, with 3,460 incidents reported between April and June this year. Seven persons have succumbed to the bites, with six suspected to have been bitten by wild animals resembling dogs. Despite govt doctors dismissing rabies as the cause, a viscera test confirmed the presence of rabies virus in one of the deceased, suggesting a potential outbreak among both canines and humans. The situation escalated with multiple attacks in late June, including an incident on June 23 where 32 people, including 12 children, were bitten in two places in Khargone district, including Khargone district headquarters. Similar attacks occurred in Barwani, with a single dog biting 16 people in Silawad on June 25. These incidents prompted local authorities to convene emergency meetings to address the crisis. In May, a separate wildlife attack on 17 people in Rajpur subdivision, Barwani, resulted in six deaths. Initially attributed to a rabid dog, the discovery of a jackal carcass later confirmed the involvement of wildlife. This incident highlighted the complexities in distinguishing between wildlife and dog attacks, with significant implications for compensation, as wildlife-related deaths warrant an Rs 8 lakh payout, unlike dog bite fatalities. Health officials confirmed rabies in viscera reports of a deceased from the Rajpur cases, though the efficacy of administered anti-rabies injections remains under review. The recent death of a 75-year-old man in Balwadi, following a suspected dog bite, underscores the urgency of the situation. District collectors in Barwani and Khargone have initiated measures to control the dog population through vaccination and sterilisation, in line with Supreme Court guidelines. Experts, however, caution that these measures may not fully prevent future attacks. "We promptly organised a review meeting with various departments to control the situation by vaccination and sterilisation and also gave the instructions to study such abnormal behaviour of stray dogs and plan their treatment. Apart from this, it has been made sure that the availability of anti-rabies vaccine and other related medicines in each PHC of the district," Khargone Collector Bhavya Mittal told TOI. Barwani Collector Guncha Sanobar said that under National Rabies Control Programme, a joint meeting of various departments was organised and instructions to run awareness campaigns, ensure availability of necessary injections and medicines in hospitals, vaccination and sterilisation of dogs, and registration of pet dogs were given. Apart from this, instructions were also given to record information related to animal attacks on NCDC portal. Veterinary experts, including Dr Prashant Tiwari, attribute the rise in dog-human conflicts to factors such as food scarcity, road accidents, and unfulfilled mating instincts. Dr Tiwari emphasised that a single dog attacking multiple people could indicate rabies, necessitating thorough diagnostic testing. Despite the alarming rise in cases, officials remain reticent about acknowledging a rabies outbreak. Chief Medical and Health Officer of Barwani Dr Surekha Jamre and the then Civil Surgeon of Khargone district hospital Dr Amar Singh Chauhan confirmed that anti-rabies vaccines were routinely administered, yet the lack of testing on biting dogs leaves the rabies status uncertain. With India reporting approximately 22 lakh dog bite cases in 2024, the country faces significant challenges in achieving its goal of becoming rabies-free by 2030. The situation in Barwani and Khargone serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the growing threat of rabies.
