A 38-year-old man from Tharparkar has died of rabies at Indus Hospital in Karachi. As a result, the reported number of rabies deaths in Sindh has reached 38 this year. Hospital officials and news reports confirmed the latest case on Monday, October 12.
The death has raised fresh concerns about stray dog bites and access to timely medical care. Meanwhile, a 12-year-old boy from Hyderabad has been admitted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi with suspected rabies encephalitis.
Tharparkar Man Dies Despite Receiving Rabies Vaccines
The deceased was identified as Naimatullah. He belonged to Nohriyo village in Diplo tehsil, Tharparkar district. According to an Indus Hospital spokesperson, a dog bit him around two and a half months before his death.
Naimatullah received four doses of the anti-rabies vaccine at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Diplo. He received these doses between July 25 and August 8. However, he later developed rabies symptoms and was admitted to Indus Hospital Karachi on October 7.
Hospital officials said an initial assessment suggested that medical staff had not properly cleaned the wound during the early treatment. However, available reports do not establish exactly why he developed rabies despite receiving the vaccine doses.
His case highlights the importance of proper wound care and timely treatment after a dog bite. People should seek medical help immediately, even if the wound appears minor.
Hyderabad Boy Receives Treatment for Suspected Rabies
Meanwhile, a 12-year-old boy from Hyderabad is receiving treatment at JPMC. Doctors suspect rabies encephalitis based on his symptoms.
According to the hospital administration, a dog bit the child on his hand and chest around two months ago. However, he did not receive the rabies vaccine after the incident. Doctors reportedly observed hydrophobia, which involves difficulty or fear associated with drinking water. They also noted irritability.
The hospital’s neuromedicine team assessed the child after doctors suspected rabies encephalitis. He received an initial vaccine dose in the emergency department. Hospital officials also said he was being admitted to the intensive care unit for further treatment and monitoring.
Rabies Deaths in Sindh Reach 38 in 2026
Hospital figures reported on October 13 show that 29 of the 38 rabies deaths in Sindh this year occurred at Indus Hospital Karachi. Meanwhile, JPMC Karachi reported eight deaths. Indus Hospital’s Badin facility recorded one.
In addition, Indus Hospital Karachi has received more than 15,000 dog-bite patients so far in 2026, according to its spokesperson. These figures highlight the continuing public health challenge caused by stray dog bites across the province.
JPMC Chief Medical Officer Dr Ammar Danish urged people to seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite or scratch. He advised them to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. After that, they should visit the nearest hospital without delay.
Doctors also warn people not to wait for symptoms before seeking treatment. Anti-rabies vaccination and rabies immunoglobulin can help prevent the disease when doctors administer them promptly and when medically indicated. However, once clinical symptoms develop, rabies is almost invariably fatal.
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