Mysuru district has recorded a steep rise in dog bite incidents, with 9,428 cases reported between January and June this year, health officials confirmed. The surge has renewed concerns over rabies—a deadly viral infection—and other public health risks.
Of the total cases, 1,763 involved children aged 1–12 years, while 840 victims were adolescents between 13–18 years. The majority—6,825 cases—were adults over 18. Most patients were treated at government hospitals across Mysuru and taluks, while 114 people received care in private facilities.
Incidents included alarming episodes where stray dogs attacked as many as 20 people in a day, notably in Hullahlli, Nanjangud taluk. Children walking to school and commuters waiting at bus stops have been frequent targets.
Efforts to control the stray dog population have faced obstacles. While Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has run sterilisation drives under its animal birth control programme in collaboration with People for Animals, resistance from residents has hindered progress. According to MCC’s 2011 census, the city had about 25,000 dogs, a number believed to be rising annually.
MCC health officer Dr Venktesh stated that despite sterilising 8–10 dogs daily, curbing the population remains challenging. The department is awaiting fresh survey data to better assess the scale.
District health officer Dr M P Kumaraswamy urged citizens to avoid traditional remedies like turmeric or lime oil. He advised dog bite victims to seek prompt medical attention and receive free anti-rabies vaccinations available at all government hospitals.