Human rabies to be made a notifiable disease in Delhi

In a major public health measure aimed at eliminating rabies-related fatalities, the Delhi Government is set to declare human rabies as a notifiable disease in the city under the Epidemic Diseases Act. The action is part of a broader strategy that strives to achieve zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies in the Capital.

Under the proposed notification, all government and private health facilities, including hospitals, medical colleges and individual medical practitioners, will be legally required to report suspected, probable and confirmed cases of rabies in humans to the health authorities concerned. The move is expected to significantly strengthen disease surveillance, ensure early reporting and enable swift public health intervention.

Highlighting the importance of early detection, Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said, “Rabies is completely preventable. Making it a notifiable disease will ensure early reporting, timely treatment and stronger prevention to save lives in Delhi.”

Rabies is fatal once clinical symptoms appear, but it can be effectively prevented through timely post-exposure vaccinations. Health officials said mandatory reporting would help track disease trends, identify high-risk areas and improve coordination between human and animal health systems.

The government currently provides anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) at 59 health facilities across all 11 districts of Delhi. In addition, anti-rabies serum (RIG) is available at 33 designated hospitals and health facilities, forming a wide and robust treatment network for bite victims. The government is in the final stages of preparing the State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (SAPRE) in coordination with local bodies, the Animal Husbandry Department and other key stakeholders. The proposed action is a critical part of this plan, which calls for efforts to strengthen vaccination for humans as well as dogs and other animals.

Singh said, “No death due to rabies is acceptable. This is an important step toward our goal of zero human deaths from rabies in Delhi.” Officials said the notification will come into force immediately after issuance and remain applicable until further orders. Detailed reporting and coordination guidelines will soon be circulated to all relevant departments and health institutions to ensure smooth implementation.