Pune is witnessing a disturbing rise in cases of dog and cat bites, causing alarm among residents and authorities. The surge has prompted health officials to emphasize the importance of precautions to avoid the risk of Rabies infection.
Dr. Sarika Funde, Veterinary Superintendent at Pune Municipal Corporation, expressed concern over the increasing incidents, stating, “Minor and major dog bites are on the rise across Pune. Citizens need to exercise utmost caution if bitten by a stray or a pet dog and seek immediate medical attention. Washing the wound multiple times with cold water is crucial, followed by prompt medical treatment and post-bite vaccination.”
While not every dog bite results in rabies, Dr. Funde emphasized that individuals experiencing symptoms like hydrophobia or paralysis during or after post-bite vaccination should promptly consult a doctor.
In response to the escalating cases, Pune Municipal Corporation, in collaboration with the NGO “Rescue,” has initiated a vaccination campaign targeting every dog in areas with reported dog bites or rabies cases. Additionally, a mass vaccination drive aims to make Pune rabies-free by 2023, aligning with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) objectives.
The state epidemic officer revealed staggering statistics, stating, “In 2023, there were 8,09,415 recorded dog bite cases compared to 60,543 cat bite cases out of the total, totaling the number to 9,05,032.”
To address the situation, the Maharashtra government formed a Rabies committee comprising key stakeholders like the district collector and municipal commissioner. This high-profile committee underscores the urgency to address the growing cases of dog and cat bites. The best preventive measure is to undergo preventive exposure prophylaxis (PEP) before bringing a pet home. If bitten, immediate post-dog bite vaccination is crucial and should be sought from a medical professional.
