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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Nothing wrong in MLAs aspiring for ministerial position: K'taka HM Parameshwara
_vb_23.jpeg)
Bengaluru (PTI): Amid a group of ruling Congress MLAs camping in Delhi with a cabinet rejig demand for their inclusion, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said there was nothing wrong in legislators aspiring for ministerial positions.
He asserted that experienced MLAs were capable of handling such responsibilities.
His remarks came a day after senior and first-time MLAs stepped up lobbying efforts in the national capital with the party high command, seeking a cabinet reshuffle and greater representation.
"There is nothing wrong in them asking for it (ministerial position)," Parameshwara, a senior Congress leader, said
He added that the MLAs, some of who have been elected thrice, are capable to take up the ministerial positions.
He maintained that the final call on any cabinet reshuffle rests with the party high command.
"Our Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah), the high command, and our party (state) president (DK Shivakumar) decide about reshuffle. These three sit together and take a decision," he said.
The minister also indicated that the established procedure for cabinet formation was likely being followed.
"Earlier too, when I was the (state Congress) president, during cabinet formation, the Pradesh Congress Committee president, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader, and our in-charge general secretaries would take decisions that would then be presented before our AICC president, approval would be obtained, and then it would be announced," he said.
He added that even today the same procedure is followed.
Responding to questions on whether senior ministers would make way for newcomers, Parameshwara said they would abide by the party's decision.
"If the high command decides then we have to accept it. There is no question of not accepting it," he said.
Stressing on party discipline, he added, "Whether it is me, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, or Energy Minister K J George, we all are seniors. If they (high command) decide that we should be replaced and make changes, then there is no question of us opposing it."
Clarifying that discussions were limited to a possible cabinet reshuffle, he said decisions on leadership matters were entirely in the hands of the high command.
He said the discussions were limited only to the Cabinet rejig and not changing the party state president, a post being held by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar for the past six years.
"Right now we are discussing cabinet reshuffle, not about the party president. All such matters are left to the high command," he said.
Recalling his own appointment as state Congress president in the past, Parameshwara said he had not lobbied for the post. "When I was made president, I did not lobby for it. Our leader Sonia Gandhi took the decision. It came as a surprise to me. I had not asked for it," he said.
On Sunday, several senior MLAs travelled to Delhi to press for a cabinet reshuffle, while first-time legislators renewed their demand for representation, seeking at least five berths in the Siddaramaiah-led ministry.
The push for a rejig comes amid internal rumblings within the ruling party and speculation over leadership issues, even as the high command is yet to take a final call.
_vb_23.jpeg)
_vb_54.jpeg)
_vb_41.jpeg)