India, Oct. 2 -- In view of the rising cases of rabies, the Gautam Budh Nagar health department has urged residents to seek immediate vaccination after animal bites or scratches, warning that the disease may become fatal once symptoms appear, officials said on Wednesday.

Officials said the district is intensifying awareness campaigns and vaccination drives to achieve the national goal of zero rabies deaths by 2030. According to district data, 118,667 anti-rabies doses were administered in 2023, 145,137 in 2024 and over 123,000 doses so far this year.

Despite steady progress, doctors cautioned that India still accounts for nearly 20,000 rabies deaths annually, most linked to dog bites.

"Rabies is a serious problem, but it can be prevent...