Rabies has spread in various parts of Manipur as three people who were bitten by dogs succumbed to the viral disease and one is in critical condition at Regional Institute Of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Isolation Department Ward.
One M Biboi, 35 of Haorang Sabal under the jurisdiction of Lamshang Police Station, Imphal west district was hospitalised at RIMS isolation ward after he was bitten by a dog on February 29, 2024. His case was confirmed as rabies and he succumbed to the viral disease on March 3, 2024 at around 12.35pm.
Another person Laishram Revenge (33) son of L Sanajaoba of Sugnu, Kakching district was also admitted to RIMS on March 3 at 3.30 pm for the same case and he succumbed to the disease at 8.40pm on the same day. Saikhom Kirankumar (32) son of (L) Lukhoi of Khangabok Part-3 Lamlong Keithel was also admitted at RIMS for the same case on March 13 and died on March 15 at around 6.19pm.
Family members of deceased Kirankumar said that he was bitten by a mad dog at Khangabok Part-3 Laipat Leikai in the first week of February and he also did not get the anti rabies vaccine vaccinated after he was bitten by the mad dog.
Kh Tolngou(63) RIMS Isolation Department of Nachou Ward no. 2, Bishnupur district was also brought to hospital on January 25 at 10 am after he was bitten by his house dog on his left hand.
Family members urged him to get the anti rabies vaccine vaccinated but he denied. He was fine for a few days and started showing symptoms of hydrophobia. He was hospitalised at Bishnupur district hospital and was later discharged. He was later referred to RIMS isolation department by district hospital Bishnupur as he was brought to the district hospital after a few days he was discharged.
As per RIMS isolation ward staff, not a single patient who was hospitalised with Rabies Encephalitis did not leave the hospital alive and all of them died within a week. They also make people aware of the fact that they should get an anti rabies vaccine within 24 hours of a dog or cat bite. Dogs who bite should not be killed and they must be tested for rabies and it will make it easier for those who have been bitten by the particular dog.
According to RIMS isolation department records it is high time for the Veterinary Department to carry out awareness programmes regarding the viral disease and to get the dogs vaccinated. The authorities concerned must also issue a warning for the dogs who have been freely roaming the streets as they greatly affects the students who have been going on early morning tuitions.
