THE CRUX OF ENDEMIC RABIES IN INDIA

Abstract

Human rabies has been endemic in India since time immemorial and the true
incidence of the disease and nationwide epidemiological factors have never been
studied. Human rabies continues to be endemic in India except for the islands of
Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep. Dogs continue to be the principal reservoir.
The disease is taking its toll on adult men and children, the majority from rural
areas, due to lack of awareness about proper post-exposure immunization. The
keys to success in the further reduction of rabies in India lies in elimination of
stray dogs, improved coverage with modern rabies vaccines, canine rabies control,
and intensifying public education about the disease