11 rabies deaths reported in SL this year
Sri Lanka has reported a total of eleven (11) deaths due to Rabies so far this year, the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit said.
Senior Registrar of the Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana said most deaths had been caused due to the public’s lack of awareness of Rabies, a viral disease that can be spread through the bites and scratches of an infected animal.
Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana said, however, the authorities have been able to reduce the number of deaths due to Rabies by half compared to last year.
“11 deaths have been reported so far this year due to the necessary medical treatment not being followed properly. 300 state hospitals are equipped with Rabies vaccines. In case of a more severe bite, the related vaccine is also given in about 100 hospitals,” he said.
Stating that these vaccines are provided free of charge, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana advised the public to seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a rabies-infected animal.
Providing further details on the infection, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana said Rabies is usually transmitted by the bite of a rabies-infected animal or if an animal with rabies licks an existing wound.
He further said it can also be absorbed through the mucous membranes around the eyes, nose, mouth and genitals without injury.
Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana added that Rabies infection symptoms appear between three weeks and three months, and hospitals are providing vaccines to infected persons irrespective of the period the symptoms occurred.
