Rabies death toll increases to 18

Imphal, Mar 21 (UNI) Eighteen persons, including eleven at Thoubal district have died of rabies during the last one week, sources said.

State veterinary officials said brain tissues of some dogs tested positive for rabies.

The veterinary minister Md Allauddin has urged all pet owners to immediately vaccinate their dogs.

The rabies scare has resulted in panic in the state with a large number of people bringing their dogs for vaccination at the veterinary office.

The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal registered about 25 patients. There is not insufficient anti-rabies vaccine in the market although the minister has assured that anti-rabies vaccine will be made available soon.

The veterinary department has urged everyone affected to wash the bitten portion with water and soap and not to bandage the infected area in case of a dog bite.

Some samples would also be sent outside the state for medcial tests, the ministadded.

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