In the last two years Meghalaya has recorded 27 rabies-related deaths, with West Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills having the highest number of cases.
Eleven cases of rabies-related deaths were reported in 2023, and this year, up until September, there have been 16 deaths. One more fatality is still being investigated.
Most rabies cases are caused by stray dogs but some are even down to pet dogs.
During a press conference today, Dr Valerie Laloo, State Surveillance Officer in charge of IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme) and nodal officer for rabies, informed that the majority of these deaths were in rural areas and also the majority of them did not receive any vaccination, even after the bite.
Even those involved in healthcare provision can misjudge whether vaccination is necessary or not. Only a few weeks ago a mid-level health provider (MLHP) succumbed to rabies. In this case, the MLHP had been bitten by a small puppy and people tend to take these kinds of bites less seriously.
After a bite, the person, whether vaccinated against rabies recently or not, should seek professional medical attention and a doctor will be able to judge whether vaccination is necessary or not. Rabies is extremely serious; once symptoms appear the disease is almost always fatal.
“We have had a lot of cases of dog bites and 96 per cent of rabies is because of dog bites,” Dr Laloo said. “So, this incident (referring to the MLHP) is also very unfortunate because, being a health professional herself, she succumbed to this disease, which is 100 per cent preventable and, at the same time, 100 per cent fatal. With her vaccination and good management at the right time, this disease could be prevented but, unfortunately, because of reasons unknown to us, she could not get the vaccine at the right time.”
Ramkumar S, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, said that rabies vaccines are available at all primary health centres in Meghalaya. He warned against taking dog bites lightly and also urged pet owners to see that their animals are up to date on their jabs.
The Health Department is also working in tandem with the municipal boards and Veterinary Department.
According to Dr Laloo, the Veterinary Department has been conducting mass vaccination campaigns all across the state. This year, 600 stray dogs have been vaccinated in East Khasi Hills alone.
Meanwhile, the Health Department organised an anti-rabies week, which will culminate tomorrow.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh called on all stakeholders, at the government level but also pet owners and other animal lovers, to work together to tackle the problem of rabies.
