Rabies is a fatal disease but its treatment is possible
World Rabies Day was organized at Government Adarsh Kanya Senior Secondary School, Portmore on Wednesday courtesy of the Health Department Shimla. Padma Shri Dr. Umesh Bharti participated as the chief guest on this occasion. A speech competition was organized for children on this occasion. Navya of class 10th came first, Vanshika of class 9th came second and Surya Prabha and Jannat came third. The chief guest distributed prizes to the winners. This program has been organized as per the instructions of CMO Shimla Dr. Rakesh Pratap.
The CMO said that rabies is a fatal disease but it is possible to prevent it. Rabies is caused by the bite or scratching of dogs and other animals. The rabies virus is present in the saliva of the animal which settles on the wound when the animal bites or scratches. He said that most of the viruses are destroyed by washing the animal bite wound with soap for 15 minutes and applying any antiseptic.
He urged people not to apply chili, milk of leaves, soil, or bandage on the wound caused by dog or animal bite. He said that in case of a dog bite, the patient must immediately go to the nearest health center and get an anti-rabies vaccine which is available free of cost at all health institutions including every PHC, CHC, and Civil Hospital of the district. He appealed to the people to keep their distance from dogs or other animals and not to be careless if suddenly bitten by a dog but to complete the prescribed course of anti-rabies under the supervision of a doctor.
