THATTA: A senior health official has warned of rising risks of rabies in rural parts of Thatta, urging immediate awareness and preventive action to avoid fatal outcomes.

Dr. Sajid Shaikh, Medical Superintendent of RHC Var, addressed students during a morning assembly at Government Middle School Peer Patho, highlighting the dangers of rabies, a deadly viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

He said the saliva of rabid animals carries the virus and stressed that the disease is almost always fatal if not treated promptly. Dr. Shaikh expressed concern that in remote villages, people often rely on home remedies instead of seeking medical care.

“In rural areas, some people apply turmeric or cover the wound with betel leaves, which can worsen the condition,” he said, adding that such practices delay proper treatment and increase the risk of death.

Dr. Shaikh explained that one of the final symptoms of rabies is hydrophobia (fear of water) and emphasized that immediate first aid is critical. He advised washing the wound thoroughly with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes and visiting the nearest government health facility for anti-rabies vaccination without delay.

He also proposed conducting similar awareness sessions in other schools and villages of Thatta, particularly in areas with low literacy rates. The doctor urged students to promote healthy habits, ensure vaccination of pets, and support measures to control stray dog populations to prevent the spread of rabies.

Health officials say community awareness and timely vaccination remain the most effective defenses against rabies in rural areas.