Eight die of rabies, 20 more admitted

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

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

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

Veterinary officials said over 25,000 dogs were vaccinated to avoid spread of rabies and check rabies related deaths. They, however, cautioned that the dog owners should regularly vaccinate their dogs.

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

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