Karnataka officials warn about rabies immunization issues

Bengaluru: Health officials in Karnataka are concerned about rising cases of rabies and dog bites. They have identified a major problem—improper immunization against rabies. Many people who are bitten, especially if they have severe wounds, do not receive rabies immunoglobulin, a vital treatment. Some also go to private clinics where vaccines may not be stored correctly, making them less effective. Dr. Ansar Ahmed, a health official, noted that many people are not aware that bites from cats or wild animals can also transmit rabies. This lack of knowledge leads some individuals to skip treatment after bites, increasing the risk of death. Ahmed emphasized the need for better public education so that every animal bite is taken seriously and treated correctly. In Bengaluru, a 2023 census recorded about 280,000 stray dogs, but officials say the number is slowly decreasing due to ongoing sterilization programs. Suralkar Vikas Kishore, a commissioner for health and animal husbandry, reported that these efforts help control the stray dog population. From April 2024 to February, the BBMP (Bengaluru Bruhat Mahanagara Palike) neutered over 34,358 stray dogs and vaccinated 71,824 against rabies. The most activity was noted in the Mahadevapura zone. A senior BBMP official said there is a strong push against rabies deaths and that they are actively monitoring cases and sterilizing stray dogs.