The city has reported over 10,000 dog bite cases in January and February 2025, reflecting a sharp rise compared to the same period last year.
Dr. Romana Farhat, head of the rabies clinic at Civil Hospital Karachi, revealed that 5,795 cases were recorded at the facility in the first two months of 2025, compared to 3,269 cases in early 2024. She also noted that more than 100 new cases are being reported daily.
Additionally, Civil Hospital recorded 13 cases of cat bites in February, as confirmed by Dr. Farhat.
Similarly, Dr. Irfan Siddiqui, Emergency In-Charge at Jinnah Hospital, reported that over 5,000 dog bite cases have been registered at the hospital this year, compared to more than 3,000 in the same period last year.
Medical experts stress the need for immediate first aid after a dog bite. The affected area should be thoroughly washed with detergent soap for at least 15 minutes to reduce the risk of infection.
They also advise completing the anti-rabies vaccination and full preventive injection course to prevent serious health risks.
Furthermore, experts warn that rabies is not limited to dog bites, as it can also be transmitted through bites from cats, donkeys, and monkeys. They emphasize the necessity of receiving the anti-rabies vaccine after bites from these animals to prevent infection.
