Karnataka sees over 66,400 dog bite cases, eight rabies deaths in two months this year
Bengaluru: In the first two months of this year, Karnataka has reported nearly 66,489 dog bite cases and eight deaths due to rabies.
According to the Health Department, three deaths occurred at the Epidemic Diseases Hospital near the Swami Vivekananda Road Metro Station, a designated isolation center for suspected rabies cases, in Bengaluru, as reported by Deccan Herald on Monday. The victims included a 38-year-old native of Haryana, a 36-year-old man from Chitradurga, and a 26-year-old from Tumakuru. The fourth death in Bengaluru was that of a four-year-old boy, who passed away at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) on January 5.
Additionally, two deaths were reported in Belagavi, and one each in Ballari and Shivamogga due to dog-mediated rabies.
As of February 23, 2025, the Health Department, as cited by DH, recorded nearly 66,489 dog bite cases across the state. The highest number of incidents were in Vijayapura (4,552 cases), Bengaluru's BBMP limits (4,072 cases), and Hassan (3,688 cases).
Dr Ansar Ahmed, Project Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, attributed the rise in cases to enhanced surveillance and more comprehensive reporting across districts.
“Dog bites are notifiable, hence we have ensured both private and government hospitals notify every single dog bite case. Additionally, all dog bite cases are not rabies cases. However, it is important for every wound to be immediately washed with sterile water and soap to reduce chances of complications,” Ahmed was quoted as saying by DH.
A senior official from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services department emphasised the need for better animal vaccination programs and increased public awareness. He told the news outlet that rabies transmission is not confined to street dogs, and that activities in forested areas, where contact with monkeys, bats, and other animals increase the risk of bites or scratches, also contribute to the spread of rabies.
He highlighted the importance of educating the public about what actions to take after animal bites or scratches to avoid delays in accessing the rabies vaccine. He urged local bodies and the Health Department to collaborate more effectively to address this growing concern.
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Man arrested for for raping mute woman in Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur (PTI): One person was arrested on the charge of raping a 30-year-old woman with speech impairment in Jamshedpur, a police officer said on Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the Azadnagar police station area of the city, and a case in this regard was registered based on the statement of the victim's brother on Monday.
The victim had gone to fetch water from the premises of a company on Monday evening. When she did not return even after a considerable time, family members went out in search of her and caught the accused red-handed, police said.
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The accused was a caretaker of the company.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Patamda) Bachandeo Kujjur said due to scarcity of water in the area, the victim used to fetch water from the premises of the company.
