Officials say no need to panic, risk from cooked meat remains low
Younus Rashid
Pulwama, May 14: Health authorities on Thursday launched a precautionary vaccination drive in Parigam village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district after reports surfaced that meat allegedly supplied by a local butcher may have come from a bovine suspected to have been bitten by a dog.
Officials said 108 residents had received anti-rabies vaccination since Wednesday after concerns spread among villagers over possible exposure through contaminated raw meat.
Medical officials said a team was immediately deputed to the village after reports emerged from the area. They said the vaccination drive was started as a preventive measure for those who had consumed or handled the meat.
According to locals, residents started visiting the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Parigam in large numbers to receive the vaccine amid fears of possible infection.
A resident outside PHC Parigam said he had purchased meat from the butcher a few days ago and decided to take the vaccine as a precautionary measure.
Dr Jureeda, Medical Officer at PHC Parigam, said the health department acted immediately after receiving information regarding suspected contaminated meat supplied in the area.
“Following directions from the Chief Medical Officer and Block Medical Officer, we started a vaccination drive without delay. Since yesterday morning, 108 people have been vaccinated and public announcements were also made for awareness,” she said.
She, however, urged people not to panic, saying the risk of infection from properly cooked meat remains low.
“Generally, meat is cooked before consumption, which significantly reduces the chances of infection. However, there can be some risk while handling or washing raw meat, particularly if a person has cuts or wounds on the hands,” she said.
The doctor advised residents to visit their nearest health facility if they had consumed or handled the suspected meat. She said anti-rabies vaccines were available at local health centres.
She further advised people experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, loose motions, excessive salivation or unusual behavioural changes to immediately report to the nearest hospital for medical evaluation.