Dog bite cases doubled in East Khasi Hills from 2,512 in 2022 to 5,085 last year, with 80 per cent of reported incidents being in urban areas.
Bites from dogs infected with rabies can prove fatal if the victim does not receive prompt vaccination. Even then, multiple injections may be required, leading to burdensome costs in terms of finances and time.
Other than vaccination, there is no cure for rabies.
With the national aim of eliminating dog-related rabies by 2030, the District Joint Steering Committee on Rabies Elimination will organise free mass vaccination campaigns for pet dogs and street dogs in the Greater Shillong area from March 11 to 18.
The areas are Government Basic School at Mawlai Nongkwar (March 11), Nongmensong Community Hall (March 12), Lawsohtun Community Hall (March 13), Madanrting Indoor Hall (March 14), DHS Complex in Laitumkhrah (March 15) and Umpling (March 18). The exact location of the last in the list was not mentioned in the notice by the Deputy Commissioner.
At each site, vaccinations will be offered from 10am onwards. The end time was not specified.
