Can eliminate rabies death in state; Kerala should emulate Peru model

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has turned into the need of the hour to administer rabies vaccine in advance as more children are repeatedly turning prey to stray dog attacks in the state. The sterilization efforts from authorities are shambolic which has only worsened the menace.

The Kerala Government Medical Officers Association is also at the forefront of this demand. The World Health Organization also recommends this. Countries like Peru, known for stray dog menace, have successfully implemented this project. Experts have suggested that a task force of experts be formed immediately to design the project in Kerala.

Since more than 35 per cent of the victims of dog attacks in Kerala are children, immediate attention is warranted. Three doses of the same vaccine given for a dog or cat bite, administered subcutaneously in the same manner, can provide protection. If bitten again later, two booster doses are sufficient. This eliminates the need for expensive rabies immunoglobulin injections into the wound.

It can also prevent the virus from reaching the brain immediately after a bite.

Currently, veterinarians and dog catchers are given this exposure prophylaxis vaccine. The first dose should be administered on the seventh day and the subsequent doses should be administered on the 21st/28th day after the first dose.

The vaccine costs Rs 398 per bottle of 0.5 ml. A person needs to inject 0.1 ml at a time. One bottle of vaccine can be injected into five people. Once the bottle is opened, it must be used within six hours. If this is not possible, the remaining amount should be discarded.

Children are most often bitten on the face and hands, increasing the risk of injury. They are often unable to properly care for the wound. Children may not immediately report being bitten.

The state government purchases vaccines worth Rs 28 crore annually to provide free vaccines to those bitten by dogs and cats. Last year, 3.16 lakh people were bitten. To vaccinate all 3.5 crore people in advance, the state will have to spend crores. It all depends on the government's capability.

“Although it will be costly in the initial phase, it will be effective in the long run. Kerala can once again create a national model in the field of public health. Then, if efforts are made to include it in the national immunization program, it can be made free” said Dr Sunil P.K., President K.G.M.O.A