Rabies outbreak in Manipur: A wake-up call for pet vaccination

Dr Thiyam Ramesh Singh *

Rabies outbreak in Manipur: A wake-up call for pet vaccination :: Pix - TSE

New Zoveng Village in Churachandpur District, Manipur, has recently witnessed a concerning outbreak of rabies. This incident has once again brought the deadly but preventable disease into the spotlight. Despite various control measures and increasing awareness among both the scientific community and the general public, rabies continues to claim lives. The question is — Why are people still affected ?

Understanding Rabies

Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that affects the central nervous system of all warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is usually transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, most commonly dogs. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies rabies as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), and it remains endemic (disease is constantly present in a geographical area) in India, including Manipur.

In a worrying development, the recent surge in rabies cases in Manipur can be treated as an epidemic (increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a population or area) under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Under this Act, New Zoveng Village has been declared as Containment Zone by the Authority.

The Role of Pet Vaccination

The most effective method to prevent rabies is by vaccinating pets, especially dogs and cats. Fortunately, compared to other parts of the country, Manipur has a relatively low stray dog population, making it feasible to achieve high pet vaccination coverage.

Government Recommendations

Anti-rabies vaccines such as Raksharab and Nobivac® Rabies are widely available in Government veterinary dispensaries and private clinics. These vaccines can be used for routine prevention (prophylaxis) and post-bite treatment. Only healthy animals should be vaccinated.

Vaccination Schedule for Pets

Prophylactic (Pre-Bite) Vaccination:
Primary Dose: At 3 months of age
Booster Dose: 1 month after the primary dose
Re-Vaccination: Annually in endemic areas
Post-Bite (Post-Exposure) Vaccination:
1st Dose: Day 0 (immediately after bite)
2nd Dose: Day 3
3rd Dose: Day 7
4th Dose: Day 14
5th Dose: Day 28

What to Do After a Bite

If a Dog or Cat Bites: Keep the animal under 10-day observation.
Begin post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in humans based on WHO guidelines.

Proper Wound Management After a Bite

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes
Apply an antiseptic (e.g., povidone-iodine)
Do not touch wounds with bare hands
Avoid applying substances like soil, oil, chilli, lime, herbs, etc.
Consult a doctor immediately
Do not suture the wound unless medically necessary (prefer delayed closure)
Take Tetanus prophylaxis
Take antibiotics if signs of infection are present after consulting a doctor
Take all the doses of post-exposure prophylaxis on time

Final Word: Prevention is Possible

The recent rabies outbreak in Manipur is a serious public health warning, but it also presents an opportunity. By ensuring that every pet is vaccinated and by responding to animal bites promptly and properly, we can prevent unnecessary deaths from a disease that is 100% preventable.

Let this be a reminder — vaccinate your pets, spread awareness, and protect your family and community from rabies. This is a brief piece of information for the general public in the State.