Srinagar: With dog bite incidents continuing to be reported across urban and rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir, health authorities have intensified awareness efforts on rabies prevention, stressing that timely medical intervention can save lives and help achieve the national goal of “Zero Human Deaths from Dog-Mediated Rabies by 2030.”
The Anti-Rabies Clinic at SMHS Hospital, operating under the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Srinagar, has launched a public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of rabies and the critical importance of immediate wound care and vaccination following animal bites or exposure.
Medical experts describe rabies as one of the deadliest viral diseases affecting the brain and nervous system of humans and animals. While the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, doctors emphasise that it is completely preventable if appropriate treatment is taken without delay.
According to health officials, India records more than 17 million animal bite cases annually, with nearly 96 per cent of human rabies deaths linked to dog bites. The disease remains present across states and Union Territories, making prevention and awareness crucial components of public health efforts.
In Jammu and Kashmir, animal bite cases continue to be reported from both rural and urban regions, with stray and domestic dogs accounting for the majority of exposures. Health experts warn that every animal bite, scratch or lick on broken skin should be treated as a potential rabies exposure and should never be ignored.
“Rabies is a medical emergency. The biggest mistake people make is waiting for symptoms or relying on traditional remedies. Once symptoms appear, survival is extremely rare. Immediate wound washing and timely vaccination can prevent the disease completely,” health officials said.
The awareness campaign highlights that the rabies virus spreads through the saliva of infected animals. Besides dogs, rabies can also be transmitted through cats, monkeys, jackals, foxes, wolves, mongooses, goats, cattle and bats. Transmission occurs through bites, scratches or contact of infected saliva with broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose and mouth.
Doctors have advised the public to immediately wash any bite or scratch wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by the application of an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine. They stressed that prompt wound care significantly reduces the risk of infection and should be the first response after any exposure.
Health authorities further explained that Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which includes anti-rabies vaccination and, in severe cases, Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG), remains the most effective protection against the disease. Vaccines are administered according to internationally approved schedules through either intramuscular or intradermal routes, depending on medical assessment.
Experts also underlined the importance of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk groups, including veterinarians, animal handlers, laboratory personnel, wildlife workers, healthcare professionals and travellers visiting rabies-endemic regions.
Calling for community participation, officials urged pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats regularly, ensure periodic veterinary check-ups, prevent pets from roaming freely and discourage aggressive behaviour among animals.
“Responsible pet ownership is a key pillar of rabies control. Vaccinating pets not only protects animals but also safeguards families and communities from a potentially fatal disease,” they said.
The health department has reminded the public that rabies is a notifiable disease in Jammu and Kashmir. All animal bite incidents and suspected rabies cases must be reported to the nearest health facility to facilitate timely treatment, surveillance and disease control measures.
Medical professionals have appealed to people not to ignore even minor scratches or bites and to complete the full course of vaccination prescribed by doctors. They advised monitoring the biting animal for ten days whenever possible and seeking immediate medical consultation for risk assessment.
Reiterating the message of the national rabies elimination campaign, health experts said that while rabies remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, no one should lose their life to it because effective preventive measures are readily available.
Officials said rabies is 100 per cent preventable but almost 100 per cent fatal once symptoms begin. They said awareness, prompt action and vaccination are the strongest weapons against this disease.
For guidance and assistance, the public can contact the Rabies Helpline at 15400, a toll-free service established to support prevention and management efforts. (KNO)
