Canine threat: Dogs bite in Amritsar : The Tribune India

Amritsar, April 27

The magnitude of the stray dog ​​threat in the city can easily be gauged from the fact that an average of 15 cases of dog bites are reported daily to the Government Medical College Rabies Clinic.

Victims should not apply haldi, oil, or chili peppers to the wound. This adds to skin irritation. Instead, wash the scratched or bitten area under running water for 15-20 minutes. Dr Rohit Batish, Manager, Rabies Clinic,

At the same time, there are many myths and misconceptions attached to the disease, which medical experts say only make the problem worse.

Rabies Clinic Manager Dr Rohit Batish said: “The first misconception is that rabies can only be caused by dog ​​bites. It can be caused by the bite of any animal – dog, cat, monkey or any other animal. He added that pet bites can also cause rabies.

Dr. Batish said dog bite victims should not apply haldi, oil or chili peppers to the wound. “This too is a misconception, which adds to skin irritation. Instead, wash the scratched or bitten area under running water for 15-20 minutes.

Medical experts say animal bites can be categorized into three forms. In the first category, where an animal has only licked, it does not require much attention. In the second category, where the animal has only scratched itself and no blood has come out, a rabies vaccine is required.

In the third category, where the bite has drawn blood, serum must be injected in addition to the rabies vaccine. “The serum is a ready-to-use antibody. It is given free of charge in public hospitals and should be obtained as soon as possible.

Dr Sanjeev Mahajan, head of the community medicine department, which runs the rabies clinic, said: “Rabies if left untreated is 100% fatal. Keep a safe distance from animals and seek immediate medical attention if bitten.

when to worry

• If an animal has only licked, it does not require much attention
• When the animal has only scratched and there has been no bleeding, it should be vaccinated against rabies
• In the third category, where the bite has drawn blood, an injection of serum with a rabies vaccine is necessary. The serum is made up of ready-to-use antibodies. It is given free in public hospitals and should be obtained as soon as possible

fatal bites

• April 26, 2021: Two-year-old Gursanjdeep was mauled to death by stray dogs in the village of Varpal, while playing outside his home
• January 6, 2021: A 4-year-old girl, identified as Chanda, was mauled to death by stray dogs while playing near her accommodation in a rice mill near the village of Malawali on Airport Road
• April 2, 2022: A 9-year-old Arsh was seriously injured while mutilated by stray dogs in Bhangoi village, near Mehta. The child was barely saved after neighbors responded to his cries for help when dogs dragged him into nearby fields and completely overtook him.