Assam Ranks First in Rabies Deaths:
In 2023, Assam saw 33 human lives lost due to rabies, a significant rise from 12 deaths in 2022.
Highest number of deaths (4) recorded in Udalguri district.
Kamrup Metro recorded the highest number of dog bites, with 11,500 incidents.
Rabies:
Caused by a Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) virus that is present in the saliva of a rabid animal (dog, cat, monkey, etc).
It is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease.
Transmitted following a bite of an infected animal that leads to deposition of the saliva and the virus in the wound.
Incubation period varies from 2–3 months but may vary from 1 week to 1 year, or rarely even more.
After the onset of symptoms, rabies is almost always lethal. The mortality from cardio-respiratory failure usually happens within four days to two weeks.
Symptoms include:
Anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, hallucinations, and insomnia.
Urgent Measures Needed
To tackle the rising rabies deaths, the Assam government needs to implement several crucial steps:
Mass Vaccination Drives:
Conduct regular vaccination campaigns for stray and pet dogs.
Ensure widespread coverage to achieve herd immunity against rabies.
Stray Dog Population Control:
Implement humane methods to control the stray dog population, such as spaying and neutering programs.
Collaborate with animal welfare organizations to manage and monitor stray dog populations effectively.
Awareness Campaigns:
Launch educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of rabies and preventive measures.
Utilize various media platforms, including social media, to reach a broader audience.
Educate pet owners on the importance of vaccinating their pets against rabies.
Access to Anti-Rabies Vaccines:
Ensure that anti-rabies vaccines are readily available in nearby clinics and hospitals.
Set up vaccination camps in rural and remote areas to make vaccines accessible to all.
Provide training to healthcare workers on administering vaccines and handling rabies cases.
Community Engagement:
Involve local communities in rabies prevention initiatives.
Encourage reporting of stray dog sightings and bites to authorities.
Establish community-based monitoring and support systems to manage rabies risks.
National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) for prevention and control of Rabies.
The rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin are provided through national free drug initiatives;
Training is provided on appropriate animal bite management,
Rabies prevention and control, surveillance, and intersectoral coordination;
Animal bite and rabies death reporting is strengthened;
Creating awareness about rabies prevention.
The rise in rabies deaths in Assam is a matter of grave concern that requires immediate and comprehensive action from the state government. By implementing mass vaccination drives, controlling the stray dog population, raising awareness, ensuring access to vaccines, and engaging communities, Assam can work towards reducing rabies-related fatalities and safeguarding public health.