27.7% rise in dog bite cases, finds study

A study by District Epidemiologist Dr Aditya Paul Singh has found a 3 per cent increase in category III dog bite cases in 2024 compared to 2023. A total of 41,005 cases of dog bite have been reported in Jalandhar in the past two years. As per the data cited in the study, there has been a 27.79 per cent increase in dog bite cases in Jalandhar in 2024 compared to preceding year.

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Nearly 5,000 more dog bite cases were reported in 2024 compared to 2023. While 18,001 dog bite cases were reported in 2023, the number rose to 23,004 in 2024.

Dr Aditya Paul’s study concluded that category III cases of dog bite in Jalandhar increased from 1.6 per cent in 2023 to 4.2 per cent in 2024. Category II dog bite cases also registered a 2 per cent increase in 2024 compared to 2023.

As many as 64.1 per cent category II dog bite cases were reported in 2023. Category II cases increased to 66.3 per cent in 2024.

The study titled ‘Detailed Review of the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) in Jalandhar District (2023-2024)’ was published in the International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT) on March 3. The data were collected from NRCP records of Jalandhar district, including reports on animal bite cases, dog bite categorisation (category I, II, III), vaccination coverage and stray dog sterilisation efforts.

In the study on the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) in Jalandhar, Dr Aditya Paul stated, “Rabies remains a significant public health concern in India, with stray dog bite contributing to the majority of cases. The study presents a comparative analysis of dog bite cases, vaccination efforts and bite severity trends from 2023 to 2024 in Jalandhar district.”

“Rabies is a fatal viral disease primarily transmitted through the bite of rabid animals, with dogs accounting for nearly 99 per cent of human cases. India contributes to approximately 36 per cent of the global rabies burden, prompting the launch of the NRCP under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,” the doctor said.

Conclusion and recommendations

The study concluded that, “Key findings indicate a consistent rise in dog bite cases from 2023 to 2024, with category III bites showing significant growth. No rabies-related deaths have been reported in the last five years, showcasing the effectiveness of vaccination programmes. To further improve rabies control, mass dog vaccination programmes, expanded ARV availability, public awareness campaigns and enhanced surveillance systems must be implemented.”

The study also noted, “Key challenges in rabies control include an increasing stray dog population, a rising proportion of severe (category III) bites, incomplete PEP adherence, and the need for expanded ARV (Anti-Rabies Vaccine) and ARS (Anti-Rabies Serum) availability in rural areas. Enhanced sterilisation programmes and increased public awareness are necessary.”