Increase in dog bites; IPM centre flooded

Narayanguda: The Institute of Preventive medicine (IPM) is being flooded with dog bite cases in the last few days. Compared to last year, the cases have increased, say doctors. On an average, IPM gets close to 200 patients during summer but this year, the number has gone up to 300 per day.

The reason for the increase of dog bite cases is attributed to rising temperature. Dogs do not have sweat glands due to which the fluid or excess fluid in the body is only removed through the tongue or mouth as saliva, as in drooling of saliva. Due to the salivation, dogs experience a tingling sensation which causes frustration, and this could be one of the major reasons for dog bites to increase in summer.

"A reason could be the need for shade. If humans have occupied all the shady places the already irritated dog might find it difficult to resist itself from fighting for it. Alcoholics and unhygienic people are mostly subjected to a dog bite. The smell of alcohol or dirt and sweat aggravates the dog," said Kavita Yeslavath, Civil Assistant Surgeon (CAS), IPM.

This year, the doctors have observed that there are 80-100 third category cases which is alarming. (See box for types of dog bites and degree).

The rabies vaccination can provide immunity for six months. Four doses of 0, 3, 7, 28 intradermal regimen (that is 0.1 ml of vaccine is given on both biceps) are given to patients of first category and for the second and the third category rabies, immunoglobulin (RIG) is preferred, which is given at the site of the bite so that the antibodies may develop sooner. This vaccination or injection is only available in Fever Hospital. People from different districts of Telangana come here to get vaccinated.

Maintaining self-hygiene, avoiding crowded places with a dog present, getting a pet dog vaccinated, are something to do to prevent a dog bite. If they are bit, the first step is to wash the wound under running water that prevents 80% of spread of virus.

A Tantalus vaccine should be taken within 24-48 hours. "Awareness is the main criteria; many don't know what to do after they are bit. Here in Hyderabad people are educated and they know what to do but people belonging to the peripheral regions have n idea. Our motto is to 'share the message and save life'," she added.

By Maina Manga