Over 10,000 dog bite cases reported in Karachi in just two months

An alarming surge in dog bite cases has hit Karachi, with more than 10,000 cases reported in just two months this year, according to health officials. This trend highlights a growing public health concern in the port city.

According to the statistics published in a report by Jang newspaper, Rabies Clinic In-Charge, Dr Romana Farhat, stated that during the first two months of the year (January and February), at least 5,795 cases of rabies were reported in Karachi's Civil Hospital. 

This number is significantly higher than the 3,269 cases reported during the same period last year. Dr Farhat added that nearly 100 cases are being brought to the Civil Hospital daily.

Emergency In-Charge Irfan Siddiqui expressed deep concerns over the alarming spike in rabies cases, revealing a staggering increase of over 2,000 cases compared to the same period last year.

Read: Dow university develops Anti-Rabies vaccine

Apart from dog bites, Dr Farhat noted that 13 patients with cat bites were also brought to the Civil Hospital. 

Medical experts warned that rabies was not limited to dog bites, as cats, donkeys, and monkeys can also transmit the virus. 

They emphasised the crucial need for anti-rabies vaccination after bites from these animals to prevent the spread of infection.

Regarding concerns over the growing population of dogs in the city, the Sindh government had launched the Rabies Control Programme Sindh (RCPS) in 2021. 

Read: Stray dogs attacked 300,000 people in Sindh in 2024

The program aimed to end human deaths caused by rabies through large-scale dog vaccination and sterilization efforts, coupled with community education. 

Unfortunately, the project has fallen short of expectations due to the government's lack of enthusiasm and commitment, as evident in its underwhelming progress.