E-DRUG: Rabies Vaccine for SE Asia
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Dear All
I am new to this group. It is very nice to see the messages on rabies and indigenously developed vaccine in India. [Welcome! Wilbert, moderator]
The stories coming out of Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka are difficult to stomach: Dogs, thousands of them left starving and alone after the Indian Ocean tsunami, have apparently resorted to surviving off the flesh of animal and human corpses, which either washed ashore or were still lying on the ground in remote villages and islands. These canines have now, according to published reports and eyewitnesses, become more hostile toward people, routinely biting survivors, including children
The human fear is understandable, particularly in poor rural areas where medical care is virtually nonexistent. Homeless dogs feasting on the remains of wild animals can lead to homeless dogs with rabies. If transmitted to humans, untreated rabies leads to death.
Unfortunately Rabies vaccine is not included in WHO Expanded Program of Immunization. Rabies is most endemic only in South East Asia. World Health Organization should take essential steps to introduce Rabies Vaccine in EPI program with the help of UN agencies and other service organization those interested to help OR atleast WHO should take some steps to erradicate this disease in asia.
Best Regards.
Yours faithfully
Dr.Dharmesh Mehata M.B.B.S
Jaipur, Rajistan, India
dharmeshmehata@yahoo.co.in