Suspected Rabies case reported at Karachi’s Jinnah hospital, Sindh death toll reaches 38

Another suspected case of rabies encephalitis has been reported at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, where a 70-year-old

KARACHI:  Another suspected case of rabies encephalitis has been reported at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, where a 70-year-old man from Baldia Town was brought in with symptoms of the potentially fatal disease after allegedly missing preventive treatment following a dog bite.

According to hospital sources, the elderly patient was bitten by a dog on his left hand and foot around 20 days ago but did not receive the anti-rabies vaccine (ARV). He is also suffering from Hepatitis C and was brought to the hospital in critical condition. Doctors have placed him under observation, and his condition remains critical.

Another Death at Indus Hospital

In a separate development, a 38-year-old man, Nematullah, from Nohrio in Tehsil Diplo, District Tharparkar, died of rabies at Indus Hospital Karachi, according to a hospital spokesperson.

The patient had reportedly suffered a dog bite approximately two and a half months ago and received four doses of the anti-rabies vaccine at THQ Hospital Diplo between July 25 and August 8.

He was admitted to Indus Hospital Karachi on October 7 after developing symptoms associated with rabies. An initial medical assessment indicated that the wound had not been properly cleaned immediately after the bite, potentially contributing to the infection despite the vaccination he received.

With this death, the reported number of rabies fatalities in Sindh has risen to 38 this year.

Rising Dog-Bite Cases Raise Concern

The situation has raised serious concerns among health professionals, with more than 200,000 dog-bite cases reportedly recorded across Sindh this year, affecting people of different age groups, including children, women and elderly citizens.

According to the figures provided, Indus Hospital Karachi has reported 29 rabies deaths, Indus Hospital Badin has recorded one, and Jinnah Hospital Karachi has reported eight fatalities. Indus Hospital alone has received more than 15,000 dog-bite patients this year.

Hospitals and healthcare centres in Karachi, including Civil Hospital and Jinnah Hospital, continue to receive dog-bite patients daily. Health experts have also expressed concern about increasing stray dog populations in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur and Nawabshah.

Reports of shortages or limited availability of anti-rabies vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) in some areas have further complicated access to timely treatment, particularly for financially disadvantaged patients.

Experts Stress Immediate Treatment

Head of the Rabies Prevention Centre, Aftab Gohar, said rabies is almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms develop but can be prevented through prompt and appropriate medical treatment after exposure.

He advised people to wash dog-bite wounds thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. Patients should receive the recommended anti-rabies vaccination schedule and rabies immunoglobulin when indicated by medical professionals.

He warned against relying on traditional remedies or delaying treatment, emphasizing that prompt wound care and appropriate medical intervention are essential.

Gohar also stressed the need for coordinated provincial campaigns to control rabies through measures such as Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR), alongside regular vaccination of dogs.

Public Precautions

Health officials advise people to wash bite wounds immediately, avoid applying household remedies or tightly bandaging the affected area, and visit the nearest appropriate hospital without delay. Medical professionals should assess the exposure and determine the required treatment.

With the global target of eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030, coordinated action by the Sindh government, local authorities and healthcare institutions remains essential to improve vaccine access, strengthen public awareness and prevent further fatalities.