DUSHANBE, April 22, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- The number of people having suffered stray dog bites has increased in the country, Deputy Health Minister, Azam Mirzoyev, remarked at a news conference in Dushanbe on April 21.

            Over the first three months of this year, 4,132 dog bite cases have been registered in the country, which 1,438 cases more than in the same period of 2008, the deputy minister said.

            “Over the report period, four cases of human rabies caused by stray dog bites have been registered in the country, which is three cases more than in January-March last year,” Mirzoyev said.

            Speaking to reporters Health Minister Nusratullo Salimov noted that medical facilities in Dushanbe and the provinces were now provided with anti-rabies vaccines.