East Khasi Hills District has reported dog bite cases are on the rise every year in the state with 5302 cases reported in 2022 and 9611 cases in 2023. More than 80% of the cases reported are from urban areas. To sensitize the people the district administration has carried out extensive awareness on Rabies cum Free Mass Rabies Vaccination for Dogs in various localities of Shillong for six days.
The first case of death caused by rabies has been reported from West Garo Hills after a 14 year old boy who was bitten by a stray dog in December developed symptoms and passed away in the first week of January, this year.
A horrifying case of death due to a rabid dog bite has come to the fore from West Garo Hills, which has brought to notice the need for immediate medical attention and rabies vaccinations in case of potential rabies exposure.