Efforts to make India rabies-free by 2030 but Kerala lagging back; 11 deaths in four months

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Deaths due to rabies are increasing in the state of Kerala. 11 people have died in the last four months. Four deaths this month alone. Two each in February and March. Three in January. All those infected with rabies have died. Last year, seven people died during this period. The situation in Kerala is at a time when efforts are being made to make the country rabies-free by 2030.

Health experts say that although the vaccine can completely protect against the disease, ignoring it without seeking timely treatment can lead to death. People only reach the hospital when symptoms appear months later. It would be too late by then.

At the same time, the failure of joint activities by the health, local government, and animal welfare departments is also cited as the reason. The main reason is the lack of vaccination and sterilization of stray dogs. Lakhs are being spent on prevention and awareness activities. However, the number of people who are unaware of the need to seek treatment immediately is increasing.

Studies have shown that vaccinating 70 percent of dogs in an area, including stray and domestic dogs, can eliminate rabies. This will help prevent the possibility of infection in humans.

Very few dog sterilization centres

Kerala needs a total of 82 sterilization centres, including six in corporations and 76 for 152 block panchayats. However, only 18 are available. Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Alappuzha, Malappuram, and Kasaragod districts do not have them. Only Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kozhikode corporations have them. Kannur Corporation is not equipped.

Death if the brain is affected

• Rabies is mainly transmitted through dogs
• Cats, foxes, squirrels, horses, bats, etc. are also disease carriers
• The disease is transmitted through the bite, scratch, and lick of infected animals
• Death occurs if the virus enters the body and affects the spinal cord and brain

Rabies Deaths

2020..................... 5

2021.....................11

2022.....................27

2023.....................25

2024.....................26

2025.....................11 (As of yesterday)