SANGHAR, Sindh: An eight-year-old girl from Jhol in Sanghar district has died of rabies, marking the first rabies fatality reported in Sindh this year. The tragic case exposes gaps in dog-bite management, post-exposure treatment, and public awareness.
Dr. Gohar Aftab, In-charge of the Dog Bite Clinic at Indus Hospital, confirmed the child’s death. She was shifted to Indus Hospital Karachi yesterday for advanced care.
The child had been bitten by a stray dog about one-and-a-half months ago, sustaining multiple deep wounds. She was initially taken to several public health facilities where partial post-exposure prophylaxis was reportedly started.
Hospital officials said the treatment was incomplete and inadequate. Rabies vaccination was not properly administered, leaving the child unprotected against the deadly virus.
Doctors noted that the child developed hydrophobia and aerophobia, hallmark symptoms of advanced rabies. By the time she reached Indus Hospital Karachi, the disease had reached its irreversible final stage. She received only palliative care, as rabies are almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear.
Health authorities warned that this was the first rabies fatality of 2026, though the province continues to report alarming numbers of dog-bite incidents. More than 3,000 dog bites have been recorded this month alone, raising fears of additional cases in the coming weeks.
Public health experts say the tragedy reflects systemic failure rather than an isolated incident. Rabies is entirely preventable if wounds are washed immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, followed by timely and complete rabies vaccination and immunoglobulin for severe bites.
Last year, 21 people died of rabies in Sindh, while over 60,000 dog-bite cases were reported. Most victims lived in low-income, rural, or peri-urban areas, where access to emergency care and rabies immunoglobulin is limited.
Doctors warn that many victims receive only tetanus injections and antibiotics, while critical steps such as proper wound washing, vaccination, and immunoglobulin administration are missed. Patients often move between facilities without proper follow-up, worsening outcomes.
Health experts urge authorities to strengthen dog-bite management services, ensure uninterrupted vaccine and immunoglobulin supply, and launch sustained public awareness campaigns, especially in high-risk districts.
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A senior infectious disease specialist said, “The tragedy is that this child did everything late because the system failed her. Once symptoms appear, nothing can be done. The only chance to save lives is immediate and correct treatment after a dog bite.”
