A public health emergency unfolded in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district, leading to a mass rabies vaccination drive for nearly 200 residents. The alarming situation arose after villagers consumed curd made from the milk of a buffalo that had later died from a dog bite.
How the Rabies Scare Unfolded
The incident occurred in Nagla Khushal Rai village under the Anupshahr police station area. According to health officials, a buffalo in the village was bitten by a stray dog around June 10 or 11. The animal's owner, unaware of the potential danger, continued to use its milk. The milk was consumed directly and also used to make curd, which was distributed and eaten by numerous families in the community.
Tragedy struck when the buffalo eventually succumbed to the rabies infection and died. This event triggered immediate panic, as the link between the dog bite, the buffalo's death, and the consumed dairy products became horrifyingly clear. Fearing a rabies outbreak, villagers rushed to the local community health centre seeking help.
Mass Vaccination Drive Launched
Local health authorities sprang into action to prevent a potential disaster. Dr. Suresh Kumar, the in-charge of the community health centre, confirmed the rapid response. "We have provided anti-rabies vaccine doses to nearly 200 people so far," he stated. The vaccination drive is ongoing to ensure everyone who consumed the tainted milk or curd is protected.
Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. It is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite. The virus attacks the central nervous system. In this unusual case, the transmission risk came from consuming unpasteurized dairy products from an infected animal, a route that is possible though less common.
Public Health Warnings and Precautions
This incident has thrown a stark light on the dangers of rabies and the importance of immediate post-exposure prophylaxis. Health officials have reiterated crucial safety advice for the public:
- Any animal bite or scratch, especially from a stray dog, must be taken seriously. The wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
- Medical attention must be sought immediately for post-exposure rabies vaccination.
- Products from animals that are sick or have died from unknown causes should never be consumed.
- Pasteurization of milk kills the rabies virus, highlighting the danger of consuming raw dairy products.
The situation in Bulandshahr remains under close watch by health authorities. They are working to identify and vaccinate every individual at risk to avert any loss of life. This event serves as a critical reminder of the persistent threat of rabies in many parts of India and the need for sustained public awareness and prompt action.
