Latest news with #RabiesImmunoglobulin
India Today
3 days ago
- Health
- India Today
From streets to shelters: SC acts on Delhi-NCR stray dogs, stats explain why
On Monday, the Supreme Court of India ordered all stray dogs in the national capital region to be removed from the streets and shifted permanently to shelters within six to eight weeks, citing growing public safety concerns. The apex court said it could not ignore the rising number of dog-bite incidents and their impact on public continues to report lakhs of dog bite cases every year, with numbers showing worrying fluctuations. From 75.7 lakh cases in 2018, the figure dipped to 21.9 lakh in 2022, which was during the pandemic. It surged again to over 37 lakh in 2024. This year, January alone saw over 4.29 lakh cases nationwide. According to data, Maharashtra reported the highest number of dog bites — 56,538 cases — in just the first month of 2025. Gujarat came in second place with 53,942 cases. Tamil Nadu reported 48,931 cases, Karnataka nearly 39,500, and Bihar recorded over 34,000. The national capital saw 3,196 cases in January. Deaths due to rabies from dog bites are also on the rise. In 2022, there were 21 deaths. This increased to 50 in 2023, and by 2024, it reached 54 deaths. This year, in January, one death was reported. In July, a state-level Kabaddi player, Brijesh Solanki, from Uttar Pradesh, reportedly died of rabies, weeks after he was bitten by a stray pup he rescued from a SPENDING ON PREVENTIONSince 2020–21, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under the National Health Mission's Free Drug Initiative, has been funding states and Union Territories to procure Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) and Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) for rabies drugs are available free of cost in government hospitals, medical colleges, and anti-rabies clinics. One vial of ARV costs around Rs 250, while RIG, depending on type, costs about Rs 350. Government support has been significant: Rs 68.86 crore in FY21, Rs 62.33 crore in FY22, Rs 98.75 crore in FY23, and Rs 99.77 crore in the last five years, the number of anti-rabies vaccine doses approved under the Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases programme has also increased. In 2020–21, 25.56 lakh doses were approved. This increased to 41.76 lakh doses in 2021–22. In 2022–23, the number dropped to 18.44 lakh doses, the lowest in the five years. But it rose again in 2023–24, when 64.55 lakh doses were sanctioned. And 2024–25 recorded the highest approval so far, at 80.19 lakh doses allocated. In total, 230.5 lakh doses have been approved in the past five years.- Ends advertisement
NDTV
03-08-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Dog Bites Spike In Noida, Health Department Flags 34 Danger Zones
The health department has flagged 34 hotspots for dog bites across Uttar Pradesh's Noida district. According to official figures, 69,188 dog bite cases were reported between January and May this year. The hotspots were identified based on the number of anti-rabies vaccines administered in the region, as per a report in The Times Of India. A detailed list is expected to be displayed at all primary health centres soon. Dog Bite Hotspots In Noida The areas identified as high-risk include: Noida sectors 130, 110, 45, 5 Khoda, Nangli Vazidpur, Haldoni, Nangala Charandas, Dujana, Achchheja, Palwari Sadarpur, Barola, Harola (Sector 5), JJ Colony in Sector 8 and 9 Thora (Jewar), Patwadi, Chaprola, Mirjapur Omicron sectors 1, 2, 3 Atta Fatehpur, Jalpura, Kherli Hafizpur, Usmanpur, Canarsi Mohalla-Traders, Jahangirpur, Rabupura, Faleda, and Torah Mostly located in Bhangel, Bisrakh, and Dankaur blocks, these areas have seen a sharp rise in stray dog activity. In March alone, 11,599 people were bitten by strays. January and February recorded 9,383 and 10,174 cases, respectively. Dr Tikam Singh, Noida's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, urged residents to stay cautious around strays and seek immediate treatment in case of a bite. This week, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of a TOI report talking about the growing menace of stray dogs in Delhi. The report mentioned the death of a six-year-old girl from rabies, and another severe attack on a four-year-old boy. The court has asked for the report to be treated as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and placed before the Chief Justice for further directions. In response, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has announced a sterilisation and immunisation campaign targeting 70%-80% of stray dogs in 12 assembly constituencies. Plans are underway to set up 20 new dog shelters across the city. The last official count (2022-23) placed Delhi's stray dog population at nearly 10 lakh. At Safdarjung Hospital alone, 91,009 dog bite cases have been registered this year, averaging 249 cases per day. Officials have stressed on the importance of timely rabies vaccination, especially when a dog's saliva contacts broken skin or mucous membranes. In more serious cases, Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is given along with the anti-rabies vaccine. About 44,520 animal bite incidents were reported in the district this year, including 2,193 monkey bites (844 in March alone) and 697 cat bites.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Noida maps 34 dog bite spots as cases rise
Noida: The health department has identified 34 dog bite hotspots across the district, with most of them located in the Bhangel, Bisrakh, and Dankaur blocks. Data shared by the department showed 69,188 dog bite cases were recorded in the district between Jan and May this year. The list, prepared based on the number of anti-rabies vaccines administered, is to be displayed at all primary health centres soon. Officials said the increase reflects growing concerns over stray dog populations, with hotspots now including sectors 130, 110, 45, 5, Khoda, Nangli Vazidpur, Haldoni, Nangala Charandas, Dujana, Achchheja, Palwari, Sadarpur, Barola, JJ Colony in Sector 8 and 9 Noida, and Harola village in Sector 5 Noida. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida Other vulnerable spots are Thora in Jewar, Patwadi, Chaprola, Mirjapur, and the Omicron sectors 1, 2, and 3. Additional locations such as Atta Fatehpur, Jalpura, Kherli Hafizpur, Usmanpur, Canarsi, Mohalla-Traders, Jahangirpur, Rabupura, Faleda, and Torah have also been flagged. These areas have been marked due to increasing concerns over safety and public health risks. Among the recorded cases, stray dog bites formed the majority. In March alone, stray dogs were responsible for 11,599 cases—the highest monthly count so far. Jan and Feb reported 9,383 and 10,174 stray bite cases, respectively. In contrast, pet dog bite cases remained significantly lower. March registered only 2,463 pet-related bites, down from 3,124 in Jan and 4,662 in Feb, suggesting better management of domestic animals. "Residents are advised to exercise caution when encountering stray dogs and to seek immediate medical attention if bitten. Pet owners are encouraged to ensure that their dogs are well-trained, vaccinated, and kept in a comfortable environment to minimise aggressive behaviour," said Dr Tikam Singh, Noida's deputy chief medical officer. The department's updated list of hotspots aims to alert residents and prompt stronger animal control and vaccination measures. As Noida grapples with a rising stray dog population, civic bodies are being urged to enhance sterilisation drives, enforce pet regulations, and increase public awareness to prevent further escalation. Health officials reiterated the importance of timely rabies vaccination, especially when a dog's saliva contacts broken skin or mucous membranes. In cases involving severe wounds or potential contamination, Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is administered alongside the anti-rabies vaccine. In addition to dog bite cases, data shows a total of 44,520 animal bite incidents reported in the district, including those involving cats and monkeys, and other animals. In the first three months of the year, 2193 monkey bite cases were registered in Noida, in which, in March alone, 844 cases were reported, whereas the total cat bite cases remained 697. TOI earlier reported that the number of dog bite cases recorded in govt hospitals and anti-rabies centres across the city jumped 31%, from 1 lakh in 2023 to 1.3 lakh in 2024, data by the health department shows. A majority of cases in 2024 – 85% (1,14,927) were that of stray dog bites, but another 20,860 were incidents related to pet dogs. According to the health department's report, 60% of the dog bites – 81,000 cases reported last year were 'severe' and led to deeper puncture wounds, lacerations or bleeding. "Dogs typically bite when they feel threatened or frightened. Stray dogs are often hungry, exposed to harsh weather and under stress, which makes them more irritable and prone to biting. It is crucial to avoid approaching street dogs or provoking them. Instead, treat them calmly and with care, offering food or shelter if possible. This makes them less afraid and fearful of humans," said the officials. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Rabies infection can be fatal but preventable with timely action
Prof Ram Shankar Upadhayaya, medical scientist LUCKNOW: In Feb 2025, Srushti Shinde, 21, from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, was bitten by a stray dog that had attacked nearly 20 people in a single day. Srushti sought immediate medical care, received a full course of antirabies vaccines, and was given rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). .. Despite these life-saving measures, she died just days later. How could this happen when all the right steps were taken? Her story is not just about a young life lost. It's about a disease we know how to prevent but continues to claim thousands of lives in India each year. WHAT IS RABIES? Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, primarily via dog bites. Once symptoms appear ranging from fever and confusion to hallucinations, paralysis, and hydrophobia, it is fatal. But the most painful irony is that rabies is 100% preventable with proper post-exposure care. A NATIONAL EMERGENCY India bears the highest burden of rabies in the world. According to WHO and India's National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), India accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths. An estimated 20,000 people die from rabies each year and over 17 million animal bite cases are reported annually, which is nearly one case every two seconds. Dogs are responsible for 99% of human rabies cases in India. Despite being preventable, most rabies deaths occur due to poor awareness, inadequate vaccine infrastructure, and lack of timely treatment. WHAT TO DO AFTER A DOG BITE If bitten by a dog, stray or pet, one must wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical help immediately as even minor bites can transmit rabies. Get vaccinated with a five-dose anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) schedule, or Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) for deep or high-risk wounds. Report the bite to local health and animal authorities. Time is critical as delay in treatment can cost lives. A WORD TO PET OWNERS & ANIMAL WELFARE ADVOCATES While stray dogs pose a risk, irresponsible pet ownership can contribute to rabies transmission. If you're a pet owner, you must vaccinate your pet annually. It's legally and morally required. Keep your pets indoors or supervised. Animal welfare and public safety must go hand in hand. IS PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM FALLING SHORT? Despite having a National Rabies Control Programme and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) policy, implementation remains patchy and underfunded. Vaccine and RIG shortages, especially in rural areas, have come to light. Poor dog population management in cities and lack of real-time bite and rabies case reporting aggravates the problem. Rabies doesn't kill. Negligence does. Let's make our cities safer, educate our families and demand better from our public health systems. (The writer is a medical scientist)
