Karachi is facing a worrying surge in dog bite incidents at the start of 2026, with at least 850 people reportedly bitten in just the first five days of the year, according to hospital records. The sharp rise has raised serious public health concerns, particularly over the risk of rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Data from major hospitals shows an overwhelming influx of patients. Indus Hospital Korangi alone recorded around 300 new dog bite cases within five days, while Civil Hospital Karachi and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre reported more than 300 additional cases combined. Health officials say the actual number could be even higher, as many victims do not immediately seek medical care.

Dr. Aftab Goher, who is in charge of the Dog Bite Clinic, said most cases were reported from Korangi, Hub Chowki, Baldia, Landhi, and Gadap areas. He stressed that stray dog populations and lack of timely vaccination remain key contributors to the growing problem.

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One particularly severe case involved a 41-year-old patient at Indus Hospital who had to undergo finger amputation due to a serious infection caused by a dog bite. Doctors say such complications are preventable if proper treatment is started immediately.

Dr. Goher strongly urged citizens to wash wounds thoroughly and seek medical attention without delay after any dog bite. He emphasized that immediate vaccination can save lives. Experts believe the situation highlights the urgent need for public awareness, mass vaccination drives, and effective stray dog population control to prevent further escalation.