Hospitals in Karachi have treated 1,125 dog bite victims in the first six days of 2026, showing a significant rise in incidents citywide. Children and adults are increasingly at risk as stray dogs roam uncontrolled in residential and commercial areas.
The surge has raised concerns among health experts and local authorities about public safety and the spread of rabies, a potentially fatal disease. Many residents are avoiding outdoor activities, and children are being kept indoors to prevent attacks. The rise in cases also highlights gaps in municipal management and animal control measures across Karachi.
Rising Dog Bite Cases Across Karachi
Official hospital data shows Indus Hospital treated 300 patients, Jinnah Hospital received 180, and Civil Hospital handled 305 cases. Other facilities reported 149 at Qatar Hospital Orangi Town, 128 at Liaquatabad, 57 in New Karachi, and six in Korangi district.
Doctors warn untreated bites can transmit rabies, making immediate wound cleaning, vaccination, and completing prescribed doses essential. Last year, Karachi hospitals recorded at least 20 rabies deaths, highlighting shortcomings in vaccination coverage and municipal response.
Local Anti-Rabies Vaccine and Urgent Action
Pakistan has developed its first local anti-rabies vaccine. Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) formulated it using a purified and inactivated virus strain sourced within Pakistan. The vaccine is moving toward clinical trial batch production and approval by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
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Previously, Pakistan relied entirely on imported vaccines, spending over Rs26 billion annually, with costs projected to rise to Rs100 billion by 2031. Experts estimate dog bites cause 2,000 to 5,000 rabies deaths each year.
Health experts stress vaccination, sterilization, and municipal coordination to control the stray dog population. The surge in early 2026 cases emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect residents.
