Karnataka has been witnessing a sharp rise in dog bite incidents and rabies-related deaths in 2024. As of March 25, the state has reported over 100,000 dog bites and 12 fatalities due to rabies, a significant jump compared to last year’s figures of 63,000 dog bites and no rabies deaths during the same period. The data highlights a concerning upward trend, with the total number of dog bites for 2024 approaching last year’s total of 360,000. Rabies deaths have also escalated from 42 last year.
This increase is attributed to improved reporting and surveillance, as rabies is now a notifiable disease, leading to more comprehensive documentation. Better tracking systems, such as the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), have contributed to more precise reporting, particularly in urban regions.
Areas Most Affected:
- Vijayapura: 6,930 dog bites, the highest in the state
- BBMP: 6,290 cases
- Hassan: 6,096 incidents
Bengaluru and its urban areas saw 12,263 dog bites, marking a 45% rise.
Rabies Fatalities:
- Bengaluru Urban: 6 deaths
- Belagavi: 3 deaths
- Ballari: 1 death
Despite these alarming numbers, the state’s health authorities are taking action. Efforts are focused on ensuring accurate documentation and enforcing guidelines for rabies treatment to prevent further fatalities. Improved surveillance and awareness campaigns are also being implemented.
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