Rising dog bite cases in Dimapur highlight need for rabies a
Rising dog bite cases in Dimapur highlight need for rabies awareness
Dr. Molu Ozukum, in charge of animal bites at District Hospital Dimapur, told Eastern Mirror that spreading awareness of the importance of vaccinating pet animals is the best way to deal with the problem
Four suspected deaths
in 3 months; 187 stray dog bite cases in five months
A dog receives an injection during a vaccination drive at
Mishikito village, Dimapur. (EM Images)
DIMAPUR — With
four suspected deaths from rabies within Dimapur area in just three months and
the rise in the number of dog bites across the state, the issue of vaccinating
pets regularly and disciplining them has once again come into sharp focus.
In 2024, five suspected rabies deaths were reported in the
state.
Dr. Molu Ozukum, in charge of animal bites at District
Hospital Dimapur, told Eastern Mirror that spreading awareness of the
importance of vaccinating pet animals is the best way to deal with the problem.
He suggested that colony councils, along with Veterinary
department, can organise regular awareness camps. While it is important to
vaccinate pets, he asserted that it is best for those bitten by pets to take
anti-rabies medication.
As per the data from the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare, from March 2023 till February 2025, as many as 1685 pet dog bites, 187
stray dog bites, 445 cat bites, and 12 monkey bites were reported in the
country.
The doctor also shared that the district hospital is equipped
with a three-bed isolation ward where patients bitten by pets and animals are
kept. Though the isolation ward is equipped with proper infrastructure, the
hospital sometimes faces shortage of vaccines, he shared.
The doctor maintained that people should be aware of the
consequences of leaving the bites untreated. He said that kids especially tend
to hide when bitten by dogs because of fear of injections, which in turn leads
to serious cases.
Ozukum said that reactions occur depending on the size of
the bite and the seriousness of the wound. Symptoms might appear in a week and
sometimes even after about two years, the doctor shared.
He said that many cases of ‘suspected rabies’ are being
reported after delayed medical assistance.
The doctor shared that many victims of stray/unchained dog
bites come to the hospital. In just five months between October 2024 and
February 2025, as many as 187 stray dog bite cases were reported at the
district hospital.
According to Dr. Michael Imti Imchen, Deputy Director of
District Veterinary Hospital Dimapur, the Northeast is a hotbed for rabies, but
most of the cases go unreported.
Ignorance and complacency sometimes lead to serious unwanted
situations, he said and stressed the importance of vaccinating pets regularly.
From April 2024 to February 2025, he said that as many as
2038 anti-rabies vaccinations have been provided at the district veterinary
hospital.
Pet owners should be mindful of keeping their pets chained
if they are not vaccinated, he underscored.
“Keep them vaccinated, as dog bites cause public hazard,” he
advised, adding, “If you cannot take care of your pet, why own one?”
Victim’s sister
A 27-year-old man had died of suspected rabies on February
27 at his place in Electrical Colony, Dimapur.
“My brother said that he was bitten by our pet dog in
January, but I did not take it seriously,” shared the victim’s sister. “I
simply told him to take vaccine, but did not ask again,” she said.
The sister recalled how her brother had suddenly fallen ill
with symptoms including restlessness, breathlessness and finding difficulties
in swallowing even water.
Witnessing the seriousness of the ailment, the family rushed
him to District Hospital Dimapur on February 22. There, he was advised to be
kept in the isolation ward. Later the family shifted to a private clinic.
According to the sister, their dog—a mixed breed—was not
vaccinated when it attacked her brother. The previous vaccine had expired.
Vaccination camps
As recently as March 14, the Veterinary department had
organised vaccination drives within Dimapur area after noticing the rise in the
number of dog bite incidents.
As many as 300 pets, including dogs and cats, were
vaccinated in two areas: Mishikito and Purana Bazaar, covering a few colonies.
Dr. Kikali, who was stationed at Mishikito vaccination camp,
informed Eastern Mirror that anti-rabies vaccines (ARVs) were injected in all
pets, comprising mostly of dogs.
Zuheto, a council member of the village who was also present
at the camp, said that the village does not have any rule to keep the pets
chained but encourages all to vaccinate their pets regularly while advising the
pets to be kept within their compounds.
The department plans to continue with more vaccination
camps.
