Shillong: As many as 27 people have lost their lives in Meghalaya in the past two years due to Rabies. The majority of these fatalities have been directly attributed to dog bites, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures.
In 2024 alone, 16 people succumbed to Rabies in the state. West Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills have reported the highest number of Rabies-related deaths, reporting six deaths each.
During a recent press briefing, the State Health Department, led by Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, highlighted the alarming situation of Rabies in the state and the escalating Rabies-related deaths.
Dr Valerie Laloo, the State Surveillance Officer of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), revealed that 96 percent of Rabies cases were a result of dog bites.
She added that the increase in the number of stray dogs in various localities, including district headquarters across Meghalaya, has exacerbated the problem.
The Health Department has collaborated with Municipal Boards and the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department to address the issue, the officer said.
A joint steering committee has been established to implement sterilization and vaccination programs for stray dogs.
Approximately 600 stray dogs in the district have already received rabies vaccinations in East Khasi Hills,
Despite the availability of rabies vaccines at all Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Dr Laloo expressed deep concern over the public’s lack of awareness and complacency regarding this deadly disease.
A recent case involving a nurse from West Khasi Hills who died of rabies after being bitten by a stray dog serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting preventive measures.
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The Meghalaya government is now intensifying its efforts to address the issue through a combination of public awareness campaigns and stray dog vaccination drives. The aim is to prevent further loss of life and safeguard the health of the state’s population.
