Karachi is facing a public health emergency as dog-bite cases surge, with over 25,000 incidents and at least 17 rabies-related deaths reported in the first half of 2023. Official data reveals that between January and June, a total of 25,216 people were bitten by stray dogs, highlighting the unchecked canine population's threat to residents.
Recent Rabies Case Highlights Vaccination Gaps
The latest case involves a 28-year-old woman from Ajmer Nagri, diagnosed with rabies nearly six weeks after a stray dog bite. Hospital officials confirmed she had not received anti-rabies vaccination, allowing the virus to reach her brain and enter a critical stage. Doctors at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) noted that this is the seventh rabies case at the facility this year, with survival chances negligible once symptoms appear.
Hospital Data Shows Alarming Numbers
Major public hospitals are overwhelmed. Civil Hospital Karachi treated 7,541 dog-bite cases over six months, Indus Hospital handled 10,500, and JPMC recorded 7,175 patients. JPMC Emergency In-charge Dr Irfan Siddiqui told The Express Tribune that over 7,000 victims had been brought to the hospital, with six deaths already. The current patient, showing advanced symptoms, is unlikely to survive, he added.
Children at Increasing Risk
Dr Siddiqui noted that while most victims are middle-aged, a spike in cases among children occurred in June and July, attributed to summer vacations and increased outdoor activity. He stressed the importance of immediate action following a bite.
WHO Guidelines for Dog-Bite Treatment
Citing World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, Dr Siddiqui emphasized that dog-bite wounds must be washed with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by vaccination within hours. In severe cases, Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is required. He warned that incomplete vaccination can be fatal. Dog-bite exposure is classified into three categories; severe cases involving deep wounds or bites to the face, head, neck, or hands require urgent comprehensive treatment.
