Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian has said that rabies is not a major public health problem in the state.Speaking on World Population Day, he said that local bodies are taking steps to control the stray dog population. Anti-rabies vaccines and anti-snakebite medicines are available in all 2,286 primary and urban health centres across the state.
He noted that Tamil Nadu is the only state where the Chief Minister personally reviews dog-bite cases in special meetings.
While the minister said the situation is under control, he also shared some figures:
In 2023, 18 people died from rabies.
In 2024, the number rose to 43.
So far in 2025, 18 deaths have been reported.
Also, about 60,000 dog-bite cases are recorded every day in the state.
The minister also gave updates on maternal and child health.
Maternal deaths have come down to 39.4 per 1 lakh live births.
Infant deaths are now 7.7 per 1,000 live births.
He said that awareness programs are being conducted among teenagers to avoid early marriages and improve health standards.