In Focus by The Hindu Why does rabies still kill so many in India?
Oct 25, 2025
Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan, an expert in infectious diseases and president of the Clinical Infectious Diseases Society of India, sheds light on the rabies crisis in India. He discusses the staggering discrepancy in rabies death tolls, emphasizing systemic gaps in vaccinations and surveillance. The conversation highlights the need for improved education on wound care, the complexities behind vaccine failures, and the importance of dog vaccination campaigns. Dr. Swaminathan also advocates for better animal surveillance and the potential benefits of making dog bites notifiable.
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Rabies Is Nearly Always Fatal
- Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear and surviving is extremely rare.
- The incubation period varies by wound site and severity, making prevention essential.
Treat Licks And Minor Contacts As Risky
- Treat any contact that contaminates secretions, like licks, as potentially risky and monitor injuries closely.
- Wash wounds thoroughly and seek care even for minor or mucosal exposures.
Children Face Faster Disease Progression
- Children are at higher risk because they under-report injuries and get bitten closer to the head and neck.
- Shorter distance to the nervous system gives the virus less time before symptoms appear.