KARACHI: In a tragic turn of events, a young girl and an elderly man have passed away in Karachi after contracting rabies. Health officials confirmed that in both cases, the victims had not received the necessary medical aid or anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) after being bitten by stray dogs.
Case 1: Young Girl from Mirpurkhas
A young girl, brought to a welfare hospital in Korangi from Mirpurkhas, lost her life after battling the deadly virus. According to hospital sources, the child was bitten on her face by a dog approximately two months ago. Despite the severity of the bite, she was not vaccinated. Four days ago, she began showing symptoms including high fever, restlessness, and extreme irritability. She eventually developed Hydrophobia (fear of water) and Aerophobia (fear of air), which are classic signs of advanced rabies. She was rushed to the Korangi facility in critical condition but could not survive.
Case 2: 75-Year-Old Man from Lyari
The second fatality was reported at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC). The victim, identified as 75-year-old Naimat Gul, was a resident of Lyari. Reports indicate that Gul was bitten by a dog three months ago. Like the young girl, he did not seek immediate medical intervention or get the anti-rabies vaccine at the time of the incident. He was admitted to JPMC last night after symptoms surfaced but succumbed to the illness shortly after.
A Critical Reminder
Health experts emphasize that rabies is 100% preventable but 100% fatal once symptoms appear. These deaths highlight the critical importance of immediate wound washing with soap and the administration of the Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) and Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) following any stray dog encounter.
