Nearly 200 residents of Piprauli village in Uttar Pradesh’s Budaun district received anti-rabies injections as a precaution after learning that the raita, a curd-based dish served at a funeral, had been prepared using milk from a buffalo that later died following a dog bite.Rabies Scare In Uttar Pradesh: Nearly 200 Villagers Get VaccinatedAlmost 200 people from Piprauli village in Uttar Pradesh’s Budaun district were given rabies vaccines as a safety measure days after consuming raita made from the milk of a buffalo that had been bitten by a dog. Villagers said the funeral ceremony took place on December 23, where raita was served to attendees. It later came to light that the buffalo whose milk was used had been attacked by a dog a few days before the event, as per NDTV.The buffalo died on December 26, which led to panic in the village amid fears of possible infection. Soon after, villagers visited the Ujhani Community Health Centre, where they were administered rabies vaccinations.Rabies Scare In UP: CMO Dr Rameshwar Mishra Clarifies Risk Of TransmissionChief Medical Officer Dr Rameshwar Mishra said on Sunday that authorities were informed about a buffalo in the village that had been bitten by a suspected rabid dog and later died after showing symptoms associated with rabies.There were reports that villagers had consumed what was believed to be “infected” raita. As a precaution, everyone who may have been exposed was advised to get vaccinated.“Prevention is better than cure. Anyone who had even the slightest doubt was given the anti-rabies shot. Usually, there is no risk after milk has been boiled, but vaccination was done to eliminate any possible danger,” Dr Mishra said, as per NDTV. The health department confirmed that no cases of illness have been reported in the village so far and that the situation remains stable.The CMO added that all those who came for vaccination were given the injection without delay at the Ujhani Community Health Centre. To ensure smooth access, primary and community health centres remained open on both Saturday and Sunday.What Is Rabies Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Vaccine?Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP, involves a series of injections taken before any potential exposure to the rabies virus, as per Cleveland Clinic. It is mainly advised for people at higher risk, including veterinarians, animal handlers, laboratory staff, and travellers visiting areas where rabies is common. While PrEP does not eliminate the need for treatment after a bite, it simplifies post-exposure care. Those who have received PrEP require fewer follow-up doses and do not need rabies immunoglobulin, which can be difficult to obtain during emergencies and can save valuable time.How Can Rabies Pre Exposure Prophylaxis Vaccine Protect You?According to Dr Deepa Aggarwal, MD, DNB, an allergy specialist with over 20 years of experience from LHMC and AIIMS Delhi, who shared insights on her Instagram account, the rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis vaccine helps prepare the immune system in advance. It allows the body to build antibodies before any exposure occurs. If a vaccinated person is bitten later, they only need two booster shots and no immunoglobulin. This faster immune response reduces the chance of the virus reaching the brain, which is especially important for people at higher risk or in situations where medical care may be delayed.