A separate ward has been opened for rabies patients at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, attached to the K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College.
Till recently, patients were treated at a separate place on the hospital premises, not much isolated.
A separate unit has been constructed on an outlay of Rs.4 lakh, which is quite isolated, said P. Karkuzhali, Dean of the college.
The ward, with an area of 750 square feet, has been carefully designed to suit the needs of patients. Pointing out that symptoms of the disease could be diagnosed only at an advanced stage of the disease, she appealed to those who suffered dog bites to rush to the nearest government hospital or clinic to undergo the treatment.
“It takes about 25 days for early symptoms. In a few cases, the symptoms occur only after three months,” she said explaining the impact of saliva of dogs.
Dr. Karkuzhali said lack of awareness or negligence among masses was the main reason for the incidence of rabies which often proves fatal. Young boys who play with dogs should be doubly careful.
Five persons died of rabies at the hospital in the current year, the last death having been reported on Saturday when a 13-year-old boy from Manapparai succumbed to the bite.
The Health Department had already stocked adequate vaccines at all primary health centres and government hospitals.