Karachi: The Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah has urged the people to seek medical care immediately after a dog bite or scratch, warning that even a seemingly minor wound must not be ignored.
He advised anyone, if, bitten or scratched by a dog must wash the wound at once with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, then visit the nearest health facility for treatment and vaccination.
Rabies can be fatal once symptoms appear, he said.
According to the a spokesperson to Sindh Chief Secretary, Sindh’s capacity to treat dog-bite patients has increased by nearly 30 per cent compared with the first eight months of the previous year. Health facilities across the province have treated approximately 45,000 patients and administered around 138,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccine. Nearly 5,000 doses of rabies immunoglobulin have also been given where needed.
Asif Hyder Shah said that 278 new anti-rabies units had been upgraded across Sindh. Vaccine supplies, wound-washing facilities and trained medical staff have been made available at the units to support timely treatment.
He said that public awareness, prompt medical care after a bite and vaccination of dogs were all necessary to prevent rabies.
The public can call 1122 or visit https: //sindharv.com to find their nearest anti-rabies centre.