As many as 300 dog-bite cases were reported at Indus Hospital Korangi during the first five days of the New Year, highlighting a sharp rise in attacks by stray dogs across Karachi.
According to media reports, Aftab Gauhar, Manager of the Rabies Prevention Clinic at Indus Hospital said an alarming increase in stray dog attacks has been observed in several areas, including Korangi, Landhi, Baldia, Hub Chowki, and Gadap Town.
He said most of the victims were children under the age of two, many of whom suffered severe facial injuries after being mauled by stray dogs. In one incident, a 41-year-old man lost a finger following a dog attack. Gauhar added that all victims were provided timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccination to prevent rabies.
Warning about the dangers of rabies, Gauhar said the disease is fatal if left untreated. He advised that in case of a dog bite, the affected area should immediately be washed under running tap water for 10 to 15 minutes with soap, followed by prompt administration of the rabies vaccine.
Health experts have repeatedly urged public awareness and coordinated measures to control the stray dog population to reduce the growing risk to residents, particularly children.
