World Rabies Day 2026: PMC Issues Advisory on Animal Bites, Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination in Pune
Pune, September 28, 2026: On World Rabies Day, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has advised citizens to immediately wash animal bite or scratch wounds with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical treatment without delay. Anti-rabies vaccinations are available free of cost at PMC hospitals.
The advisory has been issued by PMC’s Health Department, Epidemic Control Department and Metropolitan Surveillance Unit (MSU).
According to PMC, rabies is a serious viral disease that attacks the brain and nervous system. Once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is fatal.
Rabies can be transmitted when an infected animal such as a dog, cat, monkey or bat bites or scratches a person. Infection can also occur if saliva from an infected animal comes into contact with an open wound, eyes or mouth.
What to do after an animal bite or scratch
PMC has asked citizens to follow these steps:
- Immediately wash the wound with soap under running tap water for at least 15 minutes.
- Do not apply soil, turmeric, oil or other domestic substances to the wound.
- Consult a doctor immediately.
- Complete the full prescribed anti-rabies vaccination course without missing any doses.
- Even if the bite is from a vaccinated pet or street animal, the person bitten should complete their own anti-rabies vaccination course.
PMC said all anti-rabies vaccinations are provided free of cost at its hospitals.
Citizens have also been advised to maintain a safe distance from stray or unfamiliar animals and not touch or intentionally harass them. Pet owners should ensure that their dogs and cats receive rabies vaccinations on time.
