Mirpurkhas: The District Health Department Mirpurkhas on Monday organized an awareness seminar at the Community Midwifery (CMW) School on the occasion of World Rabies Day to raise public awareness about prevention of rabies and the importance of timely medical treatment.
District Health Officer Dr Sandeep, Additional District Health Officer Dr Nichal Das, Tehsil Health Officer Dr Benazir, Dr Ali Zaheeb, community midwives and nursing staff attended the seminar.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sandeep said rabies was a serious viral disease generally transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, stressing that animal bites and scratches should never be taken lightly.
The speakers advised people to immediately wash any wound caused by a dog or suspected animal with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical assistance at the nearest health facility or hospital. They cautioned against applying chilli, oil, soil or other household substances to the wound and stressed that people should not wait for symptoms to appear. Timely administration of rabies vaccine and, where medically indicated, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is essential after exposure.
Participants were also briefed about early symptoms of rabies, first aid and vaccination, while parents and teachers were urged to educate children to avoid stray or unfamiliar animals and immediately inform an adult about any bite or scratch. The speakers also stressed timely vaccination of pet dogs and cats and called for stronger public awareness campaigns. At the conclusion, CMWs and nursing staff pledged to spread the message of rabies prevention in households and communities and urged people to seek immediate medical assistance following any animal bite or scratch.