A deadly rabies outbreak has gripped India’s northeastern state of Manipur, killing at least three people and leaving hundreds suffering, according to multiple local media reports on Monday.

The outbreak, centered in Churachandpur district, approximately 88 kilometers south of the state capital Imphal, has prompted urgent action from authorities as the situation escalates.

Health officials first detected cases of rabies last week, with New Zouveng village in Churachandpur emerging as the epicenter. The district administration has since declared the village a containment zone, imposing strict restrictions to curb the spread. NDTV, a New Delhi-based news channel, reported that since January, 749 people in the region have been bitten by dogs, with three confirmed deaths attributed to rabies. "Multiple confirmed and suspected cases have now been reported from New Zouveng, posing a serious threat to both human and animal populations," the report stated.

In response, authorities have banned the movement of domesticated pets, including dogs, in and out of the village, aiming to prevent further transmission. A door-to-door dog vaccination campaign is underway, targeting the local canine population to halt the outbreak at its source. Health officials are working around the clock to manage the crisis, which has raised alarm across the state.

Residents have been urged to exercise caution, avoid contact with stray animals, and immediately report any unusual animal behavior to authorities. The rapid spread of the disease, linked primarily to dog bites, has underscored the urgency of the situation, with hundreds of bite victims now under observation or treatment.

The outbreak marks a significant public health challenge for Manipur, a region already grappling with limited resources. As containment efforts intensify, officials are calling for public cooperation to prevent further loss of life and bring the crisis under control. (ILKHA)