Rabies death: Gujarat Police inspector dies of virus after pet dog scratch
PTC Web Desk: A police inspector from Gujarat lost his life after contracting rabies from a scratch caused by his pet dog, highlighting the dangers of neglecting preventive measures.
The deceased, identified as Vanraj Manjaria, was posted at the Ahmedabad City Police Control Room. According to reports, he did not seek medical attention after the incident, as it is a common misconception that rabies spreads only through dog bites and not scratches.
Later, when Manjaria underwent testing, results confirmed rabies infection. He was hospitalised immediately, but despite medical efforts, he succumbed to the deadly virus.
This tragic case follows recent rabies-related deaths across India. Over a month ago, a six-year-old girl in Delhi’s Rohini died from rabies, triggering widespread outrage. Similarly, in Karnataka’s Davanagere, a four-year-old girl who had been fighting for her life for nearly four months after a stray dog attack also passed away in a Bengaluru hospital.
Amid rising concerns, several states have issued fresh guidelines on rabies prevention and stray dog management. The Delhi Department of Urban Development has recently directed authorities to implement stricter measures for street dog population control, eradication of rabies, and reduction of human-dog conflict.
India remains the global hotspot for rabies, accounting for one-third of worldwide deaths and nearly 70% of cases in Asia. WHO estimates suggest that the country records around 18,000–20,000 rabies deaths annually.
However, official data indicates progress in curbing the disease. Reported human rabies cases have dropped by nearly 75% in two decades—from 274 in 2005 to just 34 in 2022—thanks to mass dog vaccinations and improved post-exposure prophylaxis.
- With inputs from agencies
