A 12-year-old boy from Jhal Magsi, Balochistan, died of rabies at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi, bringing the number of rabies-related deaths in Sindh this year to 41.
The boy had been bitten by a dog on his face, near his left eye, about a month ago. He reportedly received two doses of the rabies vaccine but was not administered rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), which is recommended in certain cases following exposure.
He was brought to JPMC with a high fever, hydrophobia and severe restlessness. Doctors diagnosed him with rabies encephalitis, but he died during treatment.
The latest death highlights growing concerns over rabies cases and the availability of timely, complete post-exposure treatment.
According to available figures, 41 people have died of rabies in Sindh this year. Of these, 11 deaths were reported at Jinnah Hospital Karachi, 29 at Indus Hospital Karachi and one at Indus Hospital Badin.
Health experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of immediate medical attention following dog bites, including proper wound washing and timely administration of the recommended vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin where indicated.
