Odisha Government Declares Human Rabies as a Reportable Disease.

Odisha Government Declares Human Rabies as a Reportable Disease.

Asif Iqbal | September 19, 2023 | 03:58 AM IST | Breaking News, Odisha | Follow on Google News

Odisha Government Declares Human Rabies as a Reportable Disease. Pic/representational

Odisha Takes a Crucial Step

In a significant move towards safeguarding public health, Odisha has officially declared human rabies a notifiable disease. This action reflects the state government’s commitment to eliminating human deaths caused by rabies by the year 2030. The Health and Family Welfare department has issued a notification acknowledging that rabies, although 100 percent fatal, is entirely preventable through timely and appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis.

Joining the Ranks of Rabies-Conscious States

Odisha now stands as the 12th state in India to designate rabies as a notifiable disease, following in the footsteps of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. This move underscores the urgency of addressing the rabies menace. The notification mandates that all healthcare institutions, including public and private hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and medical colleges, must promptly report rabies cases.

Understanding the Rabies Challenge

Rabies, a viral disease that often leads to tragic human fatalities, is primarily transmitted through dog bites. Up to 99 percent of rabies transmissions in India are attributed to dogs, making it a critical public health issue. Recognized as one of the oldest zoonotic diseases in Odisha, rabies has inflicted significant morbidity, mortality, and economic losses on the state. To combat this, the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) is being implemented to improve surveillance and disease management.

Strengthening Disease Surveillance

As part of the effort to combat rabies, the Health department has issued directives to all directorates, medical colleges, hospitals, and Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs). They are now required to report suspected, probable, or confirmed rabies cases in humans and deaths due to rabies promptly on the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) portal. The goal is to establish a comprehensive disease reporting system to better plan for the elimination of rabies.

Rabies elimination from any region necessitates robust surveillance, access to post-exposure prophylaxis, and a comprehensive reporting system.

This step by Odisha aligns with the Union Health Ministry’s previous recommendation to all states and Union Territories to designate human rabies as a notifiable disease, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts in achieving this crucial public health goal.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.