NOIDA, 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. As per the district data, 118,667 anti-rabies doses were administered in 2023, 145,137 in 2024 and over 123,000 doses so far this year. "Rabies is a serious problem, but it can be prevented through vaccination and awareness. Every bite or scratch should be treated as dangerous, and people must contact doctors immediately," said chief medical officer (CMO), Gautam Budh Nagar, Dr Narendra Kumar. Experts also urged high-risk groups such as pet owners, veterinarians, forest workers, and residents of rabies-prone areas to remain vigilant....