THE news about the non-availability of anti rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin for rabies prevention following a rabid dog bite does not come as a surprise.

This has been in the offing for several months, and our appeals to the President of Pakistan, Ministry of Health and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, the National Institute of Health and others have not brought forth convincing answers, except their response that Pakistan requires 800,000 doses annually.

The daily increase in dog bites brings a sense of foreboding, as the absence of treatment for a rabid bite can cause depth. Once the symptoms begin after 2-12 weeks, no treatment will reverse the disease, and death will be inevitable. Hundreds all over the country may die of this horrific disease.

The only possibly life-saving messages from experts are:

1. Do not provoke street dogs; else they may retaliate with an attack.

2) In case of a bite, flush and wash the wound/s thoroughly with soap and water, apply antiseptic and cover with loose bandage.

3) Do not suture the wound for 2-3 days.

4) Never apply home remedies as these push the rabies virus further inside. Many videos are circulating with false information. Disregard them.

5) Vaccine and RIG should ordinarily be given after the above.

The real solution is what the Indus Hospital Research Centre’s Rabies-Free Karachi is doing, i.e. mass dog vaccination and animal birth control. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and the public should support the programme with commitment. We do not wish to see another more catastrophes. There is enough of HIV, hepatitis, XDR typhoid, XDR TB, polio, to name a few.

Dr Naseem Salahuddin
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2019