Tamil Nadu has already recorded 5.25 lakh dog bite cases this year, compared to 4.8 lakh last year, indicating an approximate 9% increase. The number of rabies deaths stood at 43 last year and 28 so far this year, according to the State’s Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.
The number of dog bites has increased this year, according to A. Somasundaram, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. He said the issue required inter-departmental coordination.
“The Health Department focuses on Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV), proper wound cleaning, ensuring availability of ARV and Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG), and treatments. We are taking steps to ensure that those who suffer dog bites complete the four-dose ARV schedule. We are ensuring this through vigorous review of patient registrations and call for action against staff who fail to follow up.”
He stressed the need for awareness on ARV. “Some assume that bites from pets or familiar dogs are harmless, and skip the vaccination. This is risky. One must get vaccinated irrespective of whether the bite is from a pet or a stray.”
Suresh Kumar, senior consultant, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, said dog bites remained a significant challenge. “The number of stray dogs has increased, and we need to evaluate whether sterilisation strategies are effectively addressing the issue. Public awareness about getting vaccinated after a dog bite has improved, but knowledge about RIG remains low. Previously, even physicians had limited awareness that category III bites require RIG, though this has improved over time. Many still assume RIG is unnecessary. It is important to remember that vaccines take at least 15 days to produce antibodies against the virus,” he said.
Sudharshini S., associate professor, Institute of Community Medicine, Madras Medical College, said: “We conducted a study on compliance with ARV in Coimbatore and found it to be low. A lot of persons do not complete the dose. ARV must be taken on days 0, 3, 7, and 28 of the bite. We found that the compliance gradually dips, and very few turn up for the last dose.”
She added that animal bites were categorised based on their severity. “Category III bites (single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, licks on broken skin), along with mild bleeding, require RIG, but many, including healthcare providers, do not always adhere to this. When protocols are clear, there should be no doubts,” she said.
She stressed the need to use technology to send reminders for scheduled doses, similar to the childhood immunisation system. “Many forget to take the subsequent doses. We also need to train healthcare workers — doctors, staff nurses and first responders — in appropriate dog bite management. The availability of RIG at the primary setting should be ensured.”
Dr. Suresh Kumar believes it is time to consider pre-exposure vaccination. “Currently, veterinarians and foreign tourists take it. Given the high number of dog bites and rabies deaths, we should consider this strategy. It requires only two doses, and does away with the need for RIG in case of a dog bite.”
Published – November 18, 2025 12:24 am IST
