Instant action for dog bite stressed

The issue was raised on Sunday on the occasion of World Rabies Day by city-based Padma Shri awardee Dr Kutikuppala Surya Rao at a seminar wherein school kids and elders were made aware of necessity of vaccinating pets, not ignoring any sort of dog-related injury,

especially in children, available rabies medications and the immediate measures which should be taken.

Dr Rao said that many people, even educated ones, do not take injuries due to dogs seriously. He further said that injuries due to stray or even pet dogs, especially on any part of the body above the abdomen should be taken seriously, particularly among children. Dr Rao said, “Once rabies virus reaches the brain, nothing can be done and death is certain.

Though a dog is healthy it can still contain rabies virus and small injuries or even licking can transmit it. It is utmost necessary that wounds due to dogs be washed immediately under running water with any antiseptic soap. If rabies is detected medication should never be left incomplete.”

At the seminar, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation came under heavy fire for not conducting the sterilisation operations efficiently and for failing to maintain the city clean.

Dr Rao said, “This rise in aggressiveness in man’s best friend is because the GVMC is failing in its duty in maintaining the city clean as a result of which increasing number of dogs are entering city limits in search of food. As all these packs of dogs scavenge for food in the city among its garbage, their wild side is coming out in the form of fight for territory and food.” He raised the demand that rabies vaccine, which is now available at government hospitals.