Teenage boy dies of rabies despite receiving vaccine after dog bite in Karachi

A 14-year-old boy has died of rabies despite reportedly receiving an anti-rabies vaccine after being bitten by a stray dog in Karachi.

According to media reports, the deceased, identified as Ali Fahad, was a resident of Ali Goth in New Karachi. With his death, the number of rabies-related fatalities reported in the city this year has risen to 10.

A doctor at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre said the teenager was brought to the hospital on May 26 with clear and severe symptoms of rabies. He passed away the same day.

Family members said that the boy had initially been taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital after the dog bite, where he was administered an anti-rabies vaccine. However, despite receiving the vaccine, the development of symptoms and subsequent death have raised serious concerns over the quality and timely administration of the vaccine.

The situation in Sindh’s largest city has reportedly taken an alarming turn. Citing medical sources, a report revealed that more than 20,000 dog-bite cases have been reported at various hospitals across Karachi so far this year.

A total of 10 rabies cases have emerged in the city to date, with four cases reported at Jinnah Hospital and six at Indus Hospital. None of the rabies patients could survive.