First Rabies Case of 2026 Confirmed in Karachi; Eight-Year-Old Girl Battling Deadly Disease

WEB DESK: The first confirmed case of rabies for the year has emerged in Karachi following the diagnosis of an eight-year-old girl from Sanghar district. The child began exhibiting severe symptoms approximately six weeks after being bitten by a stray dog and was admitted to Indus Hospital in Korangi on Monday.

According to Express Tribune, the girl’s condition worsened despite receiving inadequate treatment at several government hospitals before being referred to Indus Hospital. Aftab Gohar, manager of the hospital’s Rabies Prevention Clinic, highlighted that her wound had not been properly cleaned, a critical step in preventing rabies following such an incident.

Indus Hospital reports having treated over 1,500 dog bite cases this year, with Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and Civil Hospital also reporting significant numbers of similar cases. In comparison, last year saw 19 fatalities attributed to rabies at these major hospitals in Karachi.

Experts emphasize that rabies is almost invariably fatal once symptoms manifest. Medical authorities stress the importance of treating dog bite incidents seriously and seek immediate medical care for all patients. They recommend thoroughly washing wound with soap and water and completing the full course of rabies vaccinations promptly, stressing the urgency of timely treatment to prevent fatalities.