KARACHI – The city has recorded its first rabies case of 2026 after an eight-year-old girl, bitten by a stray dog over a month ago, began showing symptoms of the deadly virus.
Case Details According to hospital authorities, the victim was brought to Indus Hospital after exhibiting classic signs of rabies, including hydrophobia (fear of water) and aerophobia (fear of air). The symptoms surfaced approximately one and a half months after the initial dog bite incident. The child is currently admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Concerns Over Vaccination While the child had received a rabies vaccine following the bite, hospital officials noted that the vaccination was not administered correctly, rendering it ineffective. This highlights a critical gap in medical administration and public awareness regarding post-exposure prophylaxis.
Alarming Statistics The situation regarding stray dogs in the city remains critical. Over 3,000 dog bite cases have already been reported in Karachi this month alone. In 2025, Sindh witnessed more than 60,000 dog bite incidents, leading to 21 deaths across the province due to rabies.
Expert Advice for Parents Health experts urge immediate action in the event of a dog bite. First, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 10-15 minutes. Secondly, ensure the full course of the Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) is administered by a qualified professional at a reputable facility.
