World rabies day observed in government health institutions across Mohali
Babushahi Bureau
Mohali, September 29, 2022:
World Rabies Day was observed in all government health institutions across the district. On this occasion, Civil Surgeon Dr. Adarshpal Kaur and District Epidemiologist Dr. Shalinder Kaur released a poster here today. Dr Adarshpal Kaur said that World rabies day is held every year to commemorate the development of the first rabies vaccine by French microbiologist Louis Pasteur in 1885. The day is also marked to raise awareness about the risk of viral diseases like rabies.
Dr. Adarshpal Kaur added that rabies is a deadly disease for both humans and animals. It can happen to humans by the bite of animals like dogs, cats, monkeys etc. but it can be easily avoided. She said that a pet dog or cat should be vaccinated against rabies at the age of 3 months. Civil Surgeon said that rabies has been a deadly disease since time immemorial and when the cure for rabies was developed it was a great achievement for humanity. She said that free treatment to all dog bite patients is provided in government health institutions.
Dr. Shalinder Kaur said that several people keep pets at home, especially dogs and cats, and often pamper them but caution is needed when doing so. Animals kept indoors should also be regularly inspected and vaccinated as failure to do so could lead to the spread of dangerous diseases. She stressed on the need to complete the vaccination after being bitten by a dog. Many dog bite patients do not take all four doses of the Rabies vaccine which is dangerous for them as incomplete vaccination poses the danger of rabies. Therefore, people should not hesitate and take all four doses of the vaccine as prescribed. She also pointed out the importance of hundred percent vaccinations of dogs to prevent rabies. Caution is needed when dealing with pets since proximity to animals can be dangerous.
Dr Harmandeep Kaur, Personal Assistant Davinder Singh, Health Inspector Bhupinder Singh, Baljeet Singh, Paramjeet Singh etc were present on the occasion.
Precautionary measures
Beware of dogs and other stray animals when going out.
Stand unmoved when the dog barks or is near. Even if you fall, lie still.
If you have an animal, take care of it, get it vaccinated regularly.
Immediately wash the cut wound with soap and running water.
Do not abuse pets, do not kick, do not pull tails and do not throw stones.
Store and handle food safely and to avoid bites and scratches from animals.