KAMRAN KHAMISO KHOWAJA
THATTA
Dr. Sajid Shaikh, Medical Superintendent of RHC Var, district Thatta, sounded a grim warning about the dangers of rabies at an awareness session at Government Middle School Peer Patho.
Addressing students during the morning assembly, he emphasized the urgent need to take emergency measures against the fatal infection transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, highlighting that the saliva of infected animals contains the rabies virus.
Dr. Shaikh lamented that despite rabies being a fatal infection, people in remote areas and villages often underestimate its severity. “In villages, people resort to home remedies such as rubbing turmeric on the bite-wound or covering it with betel-leaf,” he said, adding that such practices only worsen the situation, ultimately leading to the victim’s death.
He explained that the final symptom of rabies is hydrophobia, and stressed that immediate action is crucial. “Instead of relying on outdated tactics, it is necessary to immediately wash the wound with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes and approach the nearest Government health facility to get the victim vaccinated against rabies,” he advised.
Dr. Shaikh proposed awareness sessions in other schools and villages in Thatta, where literacy rates are low, to educate people about rabies prevention and healthy habits. He urged students to maintain healthy habits to avoid other communicable diseases, get their pets vaccinated, and control stray dogs.
