KARACHI: Karachi witnessed two additional rabies-related deaths within two days, increasing the provincial death toll to 22 this year, officials confirmed on Friday. A 24-year-old man passed away at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) on Thursday, followed by an 11-year-old boy who died at the same hospital on Friday.
Among the total rabies fatalities in Sindh, 13 occurred at Karachi’s Indus Hospital, eight at JPMC, and one in Badin, according to health authorities. The recent cases highlight ongoing concerns about rabies prevention, especially after the death of Abu Bakar, an 11-year-old from Mirpurkhas, who developed rabies encephalitis two months post-dog bite despite completing the recommended post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Abu Bakar was admitted with fever, irritability, and difficulty swallowing, but his condition worsened rapidly, leading to his demise. Another victim, Shehryar from Qayyumabad, was bitten two months ago but did not receive rabies vaccination afterward. He was brought to JPMC in critical condition with symptoms including hydrophobia and agitation, and succumbed shortly after.
The Sindh Health Department has reiterated the urgent need for increased awareness and vaccination efforts to prevent further rabies deaths in the region.
