New Delhi, Jan 4 (UNI) The Delhi Government is set to issue a notification declaring human rabies as a notifiable disease in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
The notification aims to strengthen disease surveillance, ensure timely reporting of cases, and enable swift public health action to prevent the spread of rabies. On notification, all government and private health facilities, including medical colleges and individual practitioners, will be required to report suspected, probable, and confirmed cases of human rabies to the concerned health authorities.
Rabies, though almost 100 per cent fatal once symptoms appear, is completely preventable through timely medical intervention. Early reporting plays a crucial role in saving lives and preventing further transmission.
To ensure accessible treatment across the city, anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) is currently being provided at 59 health facilities across all 11 districts of Delhi, while anti-rabies serum (RIG) is available at 33 designated health facilities and hospitals in the national capital. These facilities form the backbone of Delhi’s rabies prevention and treatment infrastructure.
Delhi Government is also in the process of finalising the State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (SAPRE) in coordination with local bodies, the Animal Husbandry Department, and other stakeholders.
The official stated that declaring rabies as a notifiable disease is a key step toward achieving the goal of zero human deaths due to dog-mediated rabies. Delhi Government is also further strengthening rabies vaccination facilities for humans as well as dogs and other animals.
Mandatory notification will help authorities track disease trends, improve coordination between human and animal health systems, and implement targeted preventive measures in high-risk areas.
Delhi health minister Pankaj Kumar Singh stated that rabies is a preventable disease, and no death due to rabies is acceptable. Declaring human rabies as a notifiable disease will strengthen surveillance, improve early detection, and ensure timely treatment. This is an important step toward our goal of zero human deaths from rabies in Delhi.
The proposed notification will come into force immediately after issuance and will remain applicable until further orders. Detailed guidelines for reporting and coordination will be shared with all concerned departments and health institutions.
