People in Baitadi Struggle as Rabies Vaccine Runs Out

Baitadi district in Sudurpaschim province has been facing a serious shortage of anti-rabies vaccines for the past three weeks.

The vaccine is usually given at three places in the district — the District Hospital in the headquarters, Patan primary health center and Kesharpur primary health center. But right now, all of them have run out of vaccines. Hari Pant, information officer at the district hospital, said they have already informed the province’s supply center, to little avail.

Due to the shortage, health facilities have no other choice than turning people away.

Rabies is a dangerous disease that spreads from infected animals like dogs, cats, jackals or foxes. The virus lives in the saliva of infected animals and can enter the human body through bites or open wounds.

Symptoms of the fatal disease include fever, pain, numbness, fear of water or air, irritation and aggressiveness. 

Health workers are urging the government to supply vaccines quickly to prevent further risk to people’s lives.