Despite sterilisation drive, dog-bite cases surge across Amritsar

The magnitude of the stray dog menace in the city can be assessed from the fact that over 20 cases of dog-bites are being reported at the Anti-Rabies Clinic at Government Medical College here on a daily basis.

While the civic body claims to have sterilised over 27,000 dogs across the city, the packs of dogs roaming on the streets and the rising number of dog-bite cases belittle these claims. Even as cases are being reported frequently, the myths and unscientific claims associated with dog-bite and its treatment abound.

Health experts say victims of dog-bites should not apply haldi, oil or red chilies on the wound. They said this added to skin irritation. Instead, one should wash the scratched or bitten area under running water for 15 to 20 minutes, said Dr Sandeep of Anti-Rabies Clinic at Government Medical College, here.

At the same time, there are many myths and misconceptions attached to the disease, which as per medical experts only aggravate the problem.

Dr Sandeep, said: “The foremost misconception is that rabies can be caused by dog bites only. It can be caused by the bite of any animal; dog, cat, monkey or any other.” She said bites from pet animals, too, could cause rabies.

Medical experts say animal bites can be categorised into three types. The first category, where an animal has only licked, does not require much attention. The second, where the animal has only scratched and no blood has come out, requires anti-rabies vaccine. While the third category, where the bite has caused blood to flow out, requires injection of serum along with anti-rabies vaccine. “Serum is ready-to-use antibodies. It is being given for free at government hospitals and one should get it as soon as possible,” said she. The expert stated that rabies, if left untreated, was 100 per cent lethal.