Eight die of rabies, 20 admitted hospital

Imphal, Mar 16 (UNI) Eight persons have died of rabies so far this month and more than 20 people have been admitted to hospitals in different cases of dog bites in the state, officials said.

After initial reports of deaths due to rabies at Thoubal district, more cases were reported at Imphal East and West districts. Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here, alone had 15 dog bite cases yesterday and all were administered anti-rabies vaccines.

Officials said there was a shortage of anti-rabies vaccines due to the sudden spurt of rabies cases.

Veterinary officials said over 25,000 dogs were vaccinated to avoid spread of rabies. They cautioned the dog owners should regularly have their pets vaccinated.

Due to the increase in rabies cases people in the state were alarmed and the All India here Imphal, ran special programmes on rabies and dog-care.

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