Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: Medical Science and Health, Issue: Rabies Vaccine.
Context:
India is under scrutiny after Australia, the UK, and the US issued advisories to check rabies vaccines received since late 2023, following detection of counterfeit Abhayrab batches.
Key Takeaways:
| About Rabies: Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease. It is caused by the Rabies virus (RABV) which affects the central nervous system. Rabies infects mammals, including dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) that predominantly affects already marginalized, poor, and vulnerable populations. Transmission: Rabies spreads to people and animals via saliva, usually through bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucosa (e.g. eyes, mouth, or open wounds). |
Background:
- Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease transmitted mainly through dog bites.
- Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost 100% fatal, but it is fully preventable with timely vaccination.
- India is the largest global producer of rabies vaccines and accounts for a disproportionately high rabies burden.
Counterfeit Vaccine Issue:
Counterfeit Abhayrab (batch KA24014, made March 2024) features fake packaging, labeling, and possibly improper storage, identified by IIL in January 2025 and reported to regulators.​
- Genuine product confirmed via tests at Central Drugs Testing Lab (Kasauli); issue limited to outer packaging diversion.​
- No other batches affected; fakes off shelves post-raids, but advisories target doses post-Nov 2023 due to expiry risks.​
- IIL, world’s top rabies vaccine producer (40% Indian market), warns of hesitancy from alerts despite vaccine safety.
How Rabies Treatment (post-exposure prophylaxis) PEP Works:
- Immediate Wound Care: Wash bite/scratch with soap-water for 15 minutes to reduce viral load.​
- Risk Categories (WHO/India):
| Category | Description | Treatment |
| I | Touching/feeding animal, licks intact skin | None/vaccinate if high-risk. |
| II | Minor scratches/nips without bleeding | Vaccine only (Days 0,3,7, ±14,28). |
| III | Bites/scratches breaking skin, contamination, mucosal exposure | Vaccine + Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) on Day 0.​ |
Way Forward:
- Improve quality control and regulatory oversight in vaccine manufacturing
- Universal availability of rabies immunoglobulin, especially in rural areas
- Strengthen dog vaccination and population management
- Public education on immediate wound washing
- Integrated One Health approach (human-animal-environment interface)
Rabies is entirely preventable yet continues to kill thousands in India due to delayed treatment and systemic gaps. While isolated vaccine quality issues must be addressed firmly, the focus should remain on timely post-exposure prophylaxis, robust regulation, and preventive public health strategies.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
â—‰ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
â—‰ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
â—‰ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040