Karnataka has reported 66,459 dogbite cases and eight rabies deaths since January 1, 2025, marking a 47% rise from last year—the highest surge since the Covid-19 pandemic. Vijayapura (4,552 cases) leads in dogbite incidents, followed by Hassan (3,688) and Dakshina Kannada (3,444), while Bengaluru reported 2,419 cases but accounted for the highest rabies fatalities (4).
Dr Ansar Ahmed, project director at IDSP, emphasized that rabies is 100% preventable through vaccination but warned that many victims fail to complete the five-dose regimen or neglect crucial steps like rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) treatment for deep wounds. Public education and mass dog vaccination (targeting 70% coverage) are critical to achieving Karnataka’s rabies-free goal by 2030.
Meanwhile, 1,681 snakebite cases have been reported this year, leading to 12 deaths. Health officials urge immediate medical intervention instead of self-medication to reduce fatalities.
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