KARACHI: A 38-year-old man from Hyderabad died of rabies at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) on Monday raising the number of rabies cases reported at the hospital this year to 11. According to the figures provided, 40 rabies cases have been reported across Sindh so far this year.
The deceased, identified as Javed, was suffering from rabies encephalitis, a serious condition in which the rabies virus affects the brain. Hospital authorities said he had been bitten by a dog on the face approximately four months ago, but details regarding his post-exposure anti-rabies vaccination were not available.
According to hospital officials, the patient was brought in with symptoms including hydrophobia (fear of water), fever, irritability and difficulty swallowing. The neuromedicine team examined him and diagnosed rabies encephalitis.
Hospital sources said the patient was also administered a dose of the anti-rabies vaccine during treatment. However, despite medical efforts, he could not survive and died at 3 pm on October 19.
Thousands of dog-bite cases reported across Karachi
The growing number of rabies cases and dog-bite incidents remain a major public health concern in Karachi and other parts of Sindh.
According to the available figures, more than 200,000 dog-bite cases have been reported across Sindh this year, with approximately 40,000 cases in Karachi alone.
JPMC has reported 11 rabies cases this year, while around 12,000 patients with dog-bite injuries have been brought to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Indus Hospital Karachi has reported 29 rabies-related deaths this year and treated approximately 17,000 patients following dog bites. More than 10,000 dog-bite cases have also been reported at Civil Hospital Karachi.
The figures highlight the continuing burden of dog-bite injuries on the province’s healthcare facilities and the need for timely treatment and effective prevention measures.
Immediate treatment after an animal bite is essential
Health experts stress that rabies is almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms develop. However, prompt medical intervention following exposure can prevent the disease.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a dog or another potentially rabid animal should immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention without delay.
Doctors may recommend an anti-rabies vaccine course and, where indicated, rabies immunoglobulin, depending on the nature of the exposure.
The rising number of dog-bite incidents and rabies-related deaths has renewed calls for effective stray dog management, adequate supplies of anti-rabies vaccines, timely medical care and greater public awareness across Karachi and the rest of Sindh.