The Meghalaya Health Department has reported a disturbing rise in rabies-related deaths, with 27 fatalities recorded in less than two years. Health Minister Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh expressed serious concern over the situation, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue.
“It’s an alarming number,” said Dr. Lyngdoh, adding, “We want to set the ball rolling on sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs, which is being undertaken by the Department of Veterinary.”
Efforts are currently underway to implement measures aimed at curbing the spread of rabies, which has claimed 27 lives up to September 2024. The highest number of fatalities has been reported in West Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts.
The health minister stressed that the bites of puppies or stray dogs should not be taken lightly. “Rabies is fatal, and this number is very alarming,” she said.
State Surveillance Officer of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Nodal Officer for Rabies Dr Valarie Laloo said of 27 cases of rabies death, 11 were reported last year and 16 till September, this year.
The districts with highest number of rabies death were West Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills. Both districts have reported 6 cases of rabies death each.
Rabies became a notifiable disease in Meghalaya in March 2023, which has led to improved reporting and documentation of cases. The health department official elaborated on the data, stating, “Before last year, there wasn’t much of a system for documenting cases. In 2023, we recorded 11 deaths, and by September 2024, the number has increased to 16.”
The majority of cases have been reported from rural areas and are mostly linked to stray dogs that were not vaccinated. A coordinated effort between the Shillong Municipal Board and the veterinary department has led to mass vaccination campaigns. “This year alone, around 600 stray dogs have been vaccinated in East Khasi Hills,” Laloo added.
Ramkumar S, IAS, Secretary Health and Family Welfare Government of Meghalaya, highlighted that the state has established a joint steering committee headed by the Chief Secretary to oversee the response to the rabies threat. “We already had a meeting, and sharing of information has begun,” he said.
The health department continues to work diligently with local authorities to address the spread of rabies and prevent further loss of life.