Karachi Reports More Rabies Fatalities as Dog-Bite Cases Surge in 2026
Karachi is facing a serious public health concern as two more people have died of rabies, raising the total confirmed rabies deaths in the city this year to five.
Health officials say both victims did not receive post-bite vaccination after being attacked by dogs. The recent surge in dog-bite cases has alarmed hospitals and health experts across Sindh.
In this detailed article, we explain the latest rabies deaths in Karachi, symptoms of rabies, rising stray dog attacks, hospital data, prevention steps, and what citizens must do immediately after a dog bite.
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Latest Rabies Deaths in Karachi
According to hospital officials, the two recent victims include:
- An elderly man from Lyari
- A young girl from Mirpurkhas
Both cases were treated at major Karachi hospitals but could not be saved.
Case 1: Lyari Resident Dies After Delayed Treatment
Doctors at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre confirmed the death of Nemat Gul, a resident of Lyari.
He was reportedly bitten by a dog around three months ago. His family stated that he did not seek medical care or receive anti-rabies vaccination after the bite.
Later, he developed classic rabies symptoms, including:
- Severe hydrophobia (fear of water)
- Restlessness
- Breathing difficulty
- Throat spasms
He was shifted to JPMC in critical condition but died shortly after.
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Case 2: Young Girl from Mirpurkhas Dies
In the second case, a girl from Mirpurkhas was brought to Indus Hospital in Korangi.
According to hospital officials, she was bitten on the face approximately two months ago but did not receive immediate treatment or vaccination.
She began showing symptoms four days before admission, including:
- Fever
- Irritability
- Severe hydrophobia
- Aerophobia (fear of air)
Despite emergency care, doctors could not save her life.
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Karachi’s Rising Rabies Death Toll
Officials report five confirmed rabies deaths this year:
- Two from Karachi
- Two from interior Sindh
- One from Balochistan
Two cases were treated at Jinnah Hospital, while three were managed at Indus Hospital.
This trend shows rabies is not limited to Karachi but affects multiple regions.
Dog-Bite Cases Increasing in Karachi
Dr. Irfan Siddique, Deputy In-Charge of the Emergency Department at Jinnah Hospital, said dog-bite cases have increased compared to last year.
He noted:
- Approximately 40 new dog-bite cases arrive daily at Jinnah Hospital
- Another 40 to 50 patients come for follow-up visits
- Dog-bite incidents increased by around 5 percent during Ramadan
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Stray Dogs Becoming a Public Health Threat
Health experts warn that the growing stray dog population has become a serious public health concern.
Dr. Siddique mentioned that people leaving home for Fajr prayers are among frequent victims of dog attacks.
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What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
The virus spreads through:
- Dog bites
- Saliva contact with open wounds
- Scratches from infected animals
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Rabies Symptoms in Humans
Symptoms usually appear weeks or months after a bite.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Hydrophobia (fear of water)
- Aerophobia (fear of air)
- Muscle spasms
- Paralysis
Once symptoms begin, survival chances are extremely low.
Why Vaccination Is Critical
Health experts emphasize that rabies is preventable if treated immediately after exposure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes
- Apply antiseptic
- Start anti-rabies vaccination within 2 to 3 days
- In severe cases, administer rabies immunoglobulin
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Why People Delay Treatment
Many victims do not seek immediate medical care due to:
- Lack of awareness
- Financial concerns
- Underestimating bite severity
- Misconceptions about rabies
Unfortunately, delay can be fatal.
Hospitals’ Response and Treatment
Hospitals provide:
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
- Rabies vaccination
- Immunoglobulin injections
- Supportive care
Once symptoms appear, treatment is limited to supportive measures to reduce suffering.
Patients are typically kept in:
- Quiet wards
- Low-light environments
- Isolated conditions
Public Awareness and Government Responsibility
Experts urge government authorities to:
- Control stray dog population
- Increase vaccination campaigns
- Improve public awareness
- Ensure vaccine availability
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How Citizens Can Protect Themselves
Safety tips include:
- Avoid feeding or provoking stray dogs
- Keep children supervised outdoors
- Vaccinate pets regularly
- Report aggressive animals to authorities
Immediate action after a bite can save lives.
Final Thoughts
The recent rabies fatalities in Karachi highlight the urgent need for awareness and preventive action. Rising stray dog attacks and delayed vaccination are contributing to preventable deaths.
Rabies is 100 percent preventable if treated immediately after a bite. However, once symptoms appear, survival is extremely rare.
Citizens must take dog bites seriously and seek medical help without delay. Government authorities must also strengthen stray dog control programs and ensure vaccine availability.
Public awareness and timely action are the only ways to prevent further rabies deaths in Karachi and across Sindh.
