A 14-year-old boy has died from rabies in Karachi after being bitten by a stray dog, despite reportedly receiving an anti-rabies vaccine shortly after the incident.
The case has raised concerns among health experts and the public regarding rabies prevention, treatment protocols, and the growing stray dog problem in the city.
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The victim, Ali Fahad, a resident of Ali Goth in New Karachi, died on May 26, 2026, at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. His death has brought the number of reported rabies fatalities in Karachi this year to 10.
According to media reports, the teenager was brought to the hospital in critical condition with advanced symptoms of rabies and could not be saved.
Family Questions Vaccine Effectiveness
According to family members, Ali Fahad was taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital immediately after being bitten by a stray dog, where he received an anti-rabies vaccine.
The family has questioned how the disease progressed despite the reported vaccination and has called for an investigation into the quality, storage, and administration of the vaccine.
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Medical experts note that rabies prevention depends on several factors, including the severity and location of the bite, wound cleaning, timely vaccination, and, in high-risk cases, administration of rabies immunoglobulin.
A vaccine alone may not always be sufficient if post-exposure treatment protocols are incomplete.
Karachi Facing Growing Dog Bite Crisis
Health authorities say Karachi is experiencing a significant increase in stray dog bite incidents.
According to provincial medical sources, more than 20,000 dog bite cases have been reported at hospitals across the city so far this year.
Officials confirmed that 10 people have died from rabies in 2026, including four patients treated at JPMC and six at Indus Hospital. Health officials stated that none of the patients who developed clinical rabies survived.
Public Demands Action Against Stray Dogs
The latest fatality has intensified public concern over the growing stray dog population in Karachi.
Residents have urged the Government of Sindh and local authorities to take immediate measures to control stray dogs and improve rabies prevention programs.
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Public health experts emphasize that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention through vaccination, prompt medical treatment, public awareness, and animal control programs essential.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger municipal action, improved vaccine availability, and better coordination between health and local government departments to prevent further loss of life.
