Andhra Pradesh - Ongole   

When caution is the watchword

Preventive step:A stray dog's mouth is covered with a guard to prevent trouble in Ongole.

ONGOLE: As mating season began in June for the canines, people in Ongole are trying ingenious ways to avoid getting bitten by them. “Now is the breeding season for dogs. People have to be extra cautious till September when canines easily lose patience at the slightest provocation,” suggested Prakasam District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) K. Sudhakara Babu while talking to The Hindu.

“We have covered the dog's mouth with a small discarded plastic basket to prevent any attack on those coming for a walk or jog at the break of dawn,” says watchman at the grounds at a college here.

‘ARV compulsory'

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences Director B. Anjaiah says: “We are seeing increased awareness now among patients who rush immediately after the dogbite to the casualty ward, which functions round the clock. Rabies has a long incubation period of one week to six months. Hence, a person bitten by a pet or stray dog should compulsorily take anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) injection.” On an average, 20 to 25 persons bitten by dogs are given ARV and TT injection each day at the casualty ward. The ward has 150 doses of ARV at any given point of time, Dr. Anjaiah says.

“In May alone, 893 cases were reported. The number has declined to 653 in June so far. Those bitten by any animal — monkey, cat or bat — have to take four doses of ARV injection on zero day, third day, seventh day, and 14th day,” he added. “We have been receiving a lot of complaints from neighbours and passersby in the wake of dogbite incidents. Hence, we have put a mouth guard to our pet dog,” says a housewife in Santhapet. The DMHO says: “We have stocked 20,000 doses of ARV for giving intra-dermal Injection to those bitten by dogs, whether pet or stray ones.” “All the public health centres in the district have 10 doses of ARV,” he says. “People, particularly children, should refrain from throwing stones at dogs or beating them with sticks, as dogs will lose their mental balance in the event of even slightest provocation when they are pregnant,” the DMHO adds.

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