Nagpur: Rabies is a serious viral disease that can be fatal once symptoms develop. However, timely care and post-exposure treatment can prevent the disease. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Health Department will focus on these aspects during the citywide campaign on Monday to mark World Rabies Day.
Rabies preventive vaccination and medical treatment will be available at designated NMC health centres and govt hospitals from 9.45am to 6.15pm. Citizens have been advised to seek medical attention without delay after being bitten by a dog, cat or any other animal. Immediate measures include washing an animal-bite wound thoroughly with soap and running water and taking rabies vaccination as advised by a doctor. Rabies immunoglobulin may also be required in certain cases. NMC has made rabies vaccination available at several Urban Primary Health Centres and hospitals, including Somalwada, Hudkeshwar, Nandanvan, Shanti Nagar and Pardi UPHCs; Indira Gandhi Hospital near LAD College; Isolation Hospital at Rambagh; Late Prabhakarrao Datke Mahal Diagnosis Centre; Pachpaoli Maternity Home and Sadar Diagnosis Centre. The facility is also available at Maharashtra State Govt Hospital, Mankapur; Indira Gandhi Govt Medical College and Hospital (Mayo); and Govt Medical College and Hospital (Medical) at Hanuman Nagar/Medical Square. OPD and emergency services are available at these hospitals as required. The civic health department has also warned citizens against applying chilli powder, lime, oil, turmeric or other household substances to animal-bite wounds. Officials urged citizens to complete the recommended rabies vaccination schedule to prevent the disease.