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Dog Bites Surge: Health Dept Mandates Strict Rabies Care
5 Jul
Summary
- Maharashtra health department orders strict rabies treatment protocol adherence.
- Under-reporting of Category III animal bites impacts critical care.
- Failure to comply with ARS/RIG administration will face strict action.
The Maharashtra public health department has issued a directive to all government hospitals and health authorities to strictly adhere to the Centre's rabies treatment protocol. This action follows the identification of serious gaps in classifying animal-bite cases, which could jeopardize life-saving treatments.
A circular dated July 2 highlights that only 15%-18% of reported animal bites are classified as Category III injuries, far below the National Centre for Disease Control's estimated 40%-50%. This under-classification can prevent patients from receiving essential Anti-Rabies Serum (ARS) or Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG), alongside the anti-rabies vaccine.
These critical components are mandatory for Category III exposures, which include deep wounds, multiple bites, and exposure of saliva to broken skin. The directive, from Dr. Sandeep Sangale, mandates strict classification of cases as Category I, II, or III. If ARS/RIG is unavailable at a primary or sub-district facility, patients must be immediately referred to a center where it is accessible, ensuring no delay in vaccination.
