Representative image. File | Photo credit: N. Rajesh
Tamil Nadu has already recorded 5.25 million dog bite cases this year compared to 4.8 million last year, an increase of around 9%. According to the State Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, the number of deaths from rabies was 43 last year and 28 so far this year.
The number of dog bites has increased this year, according to A. Somasundaram, director of public health and preventive medicine. He said the problem required interdepartmental coordination.
“The health department is focusing on rabies vaccination (ARV), proper wound cleaning, ensuring ARV and rabies immune globulin (RIG) are available and treatment. We are taking steps to ensure those who suffer dog bites complete the four-dose ARV plan. We ensure this by thoroughly reviewing patient records and calling for action against non-compliant staff.”
He emphasized the need for ARV awareness. “Some people assume that bites from pets or familiar dogs are harmless and skip vaccinations. That’s risky. You have to get vaccinated regardless of whether the bite is from a pet or a stray.”
Suresh Kumar, Principal Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, said dog bites remain a significant challenge. “The number of stray dogs has increased and we need to evaluate whether sterilization strategies are effectively addressing this problem. Public awareness of vaccination after dog bites has improved, but knowledge of RIG remains low. In the past, even doctors had limited awareness that Category III bites require RIG, although this has improved over time. Many still assume that RIG is unnecessary. It is important to remember that it takes at least 15 days.”
Sudharshini S., Associate Professor, Institute of Community Medicine, Madras Medical College, said, “We did a study on ARV adherence in Coimbatore and found it to be low. Many people do not complete the dose. ARVs have to be taken on day 0, 3, 7 and 28 after the bite. We found that adherence gradually declines and very few show up for the last dose.”
She added that animal bites were categorized according to their severity. “Category III bites (one or more transdermal bites or scratches, licks of broken skin) along with mild bleeding require RIG, but many, including health care providers, do not always follow it. When the protocols are clear, there should be no doubt,” she said.
She stressed the need to use technology to send reminders for scheduled doses, similar to the childhood immunization system. “Many forget to take follow-up doses. We also need to train healthcare professionals – doctors, nurses and first responders – in the appropriate management of dog bites. RIG should be made available in the primary setting.”
Dr. Suresh Kumar believes it is time to consider pre-exposure vaccination. “Currently vets and foreign tourists are taking it. Given the high number of dog bites and rabies deaths, we should consider this strategy. It only requires two doses and eliminates the need for RIG for dog bites.”
Published – 18 Nov 2025 0:24 IST
