KARACHI: The city has recorded over 10,000 dog bite cases in January and February 2025, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year, according to hospital data.
Dr Romana Farhat, in charge of the rabies clinic at Civil Hospital Karachi, reported that 5,795 cases were recorded at the facility in the first two months of 2025, compared to 3,269 cases during the same period in 2024.
She further highlighted that more than 100 cases are being reported daily.
Apart from this, at Civil Hospital, 13 cases of cat bites were reported in February, according to Dr Romana Farhat.
Similarly, Dr Irfan Siddiqui, Emergency In-Charge at Jinnah Hospital, stated that over 5,000 cases have been reported at the hospital this year, whereas the number was over 3,000 during the corresponding period last year.
Medical experts emphasise the importance of immediate first aid following a dog bite.
The affected area should be washed with detergent soap for at least 15 minutes to minimise the risk of infection.
They also urge individuals to complete the anti-rabies vaccine and the full course of preventive injections to avoid serious health complications.
Apart from this, at Civil Hospital, 13 cases of cat bites were reported in February, according to Dr Romana Farhat.
Medical experts caution that rabies is not limited to dog bites, as the virus can also be transmitted through the bites of cats, donkeys, and monkeys.
They stress the importance of administering the anti-rabies vaccine after bites from these animals as well to prevent infection.
