Tamil Nadu has reported 28 deaths from rabies this year, raising serious concerns about vaccination awareness, stray animal interactions, and timely medical intervention. Health authorities are urging both pet owners and the general public to remain vigilant, as most rabies cases are preventable with proper vaccination and early medical care.
Rabies remains one of the most dangerous viral diseases in India, with a near-100% fatality rate once symptoms appear. This makes prevention and rapid response absolutely essential.
Why Rabies Cases Are Rising
Officials point to several factors behind the increase in cases:
Delayed or missed post-exposure treatment
Lack of awareness about dog bites
Poor vaccination coverage in stray and domestic animals
Failure to complete the full vaccine schedule
Delayed wound cleaning and medical visits
Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, making even minor bites or scratches dangerous.
Essential Measures for Pet Owners
Here are the most important safety steps every pet owner must follow to protect their family and community:
✅ 1. Mandatory Vaccination for Pets
Ensure annual anti-rabies vaccination for dogs and cats.
Keep vaccination records updated.
Never delay booster shots — they are critical.
✅ 2. Avoid Sheltering Unvaccinated Stray Animals
Helping strays is compassionate, but do so responsibly.
Avoid close contact unless they are vaccinated or monitored by animal NGOs.
✅ 3. Keep Pets Indoors During High-Risk Situations
During mating seasons or festivals with loud noises, pets may get scared and run outside, increasing risk of fights or bites.
✅ 4. Monitor Any Bite or Scratch Immediately
If your pet bites someone or gets bitten:
Wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes
Apply antiseptic
Visit a doctor or vet immediately
Follow the complete PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) schedule
✅ 5. Do Not Ignore Sudden Behaviour Changes
Warning signs in pets can include:
Excessive drooling
Aggression
Fearfulness
Difficulty swallowing
Unusual restlessness
Lack of coordination
Seek emergency veterinary help.
6. Keep Stray Dogs Around Your Home Vaccinated
Many NGOs run low-cost vaccination programs. Vaccinating community dogs helps control rabies spread.
What To Do If a Person Gets Bitten
Every dog or cat bite — even a minor scratch — should be treated seriously:
Wash thoroughly
Visit a hospital immediately
Start the anti-rabies vaccine series
Avoid home remedies
Do not delay treatment
Early action can save lives.
Government Measures Underway
Authorities in Tamil Nadu are:
Conducting vaccination drives for community animals
Increasing awareness campaigns
Strengthening treatment availability at government hospitals
Improving tracking of animal bite cases
Citizens are encouraged to participate and ensure local pets and strays are vaccinated.
FAQs
1. How many rabies deaths were reported in Tamil Nadu?
A total of 28 deaths have been reported this year.
2. Can rabies be cured?
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear — prevention is the only effective method.
3. When should pets get vaccinated?
Pets should receive their first vaccine at 3 months old, followed by yearly boosters.
4. What should I do if a stray dog bites me?
Wash the wound and go to the nearest hospital immediately for anti-rabies vaccination.
5. How does rabies spread?
Through the saliva of an infected animal, commonly via bites or scratches.
Published on : 21st November
Published by : SMITA
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