Shillong, Sept 26: Following panic among the people of the State with rising cases of rabies-related deaths, Meghalaya government has begun mass vaccination of stray dogs besides ensuring availability of anti-rabies vaccine at public hospitals.
Since 2023, the state has recorded 27 rabies-related deaths.
Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, alongside Health Department officials, addressed public concerns on Thursday regarding the recent rise in rabies cases.
The Health Minister and officials emphasized the importance of seeking prompt medical attention after any dog bite. They reassured the public that rabies vaccines are readily available at all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.
In collaboration with the Municipal and Veterinary departments, the government has initiated a mass vaccination campaign for stray dogs to curb the spread of rabies.
Lyngdoh expressed concern over the alarming number of cases, particularly in the West Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts. She urged the public to take dog bites seriously, even those from puppies, and assured that ongoing efforts to sterilize and vaccinate stray dogs are being intensified to prevent further outbreaks.
