Rabies claims third life in Punjab this October as dog bites persist
A 70-year-old man from Jaranwala has died of rabies at Mayo Hospital in Lahore, the third fatality caused by the disease in Punjab this month.
The deceased, Anwar, had been bitten by a dog about two months ago. He first sought treatment at the Nankana Sahib District Headquarters Hospital and was transferred to Mayo Hospital on October 17 after his condition deteriorated.
He was admitted to the isolation ward, where he remained under treatment until his death. Doctors diagnosed him with rabies and recorded cardiopulmonary arrest as the immediate cause of death.
Rabies: preventable, but fatal once symptoms appear
Rabies is preventable through timely medical intervention after exposure. Once clinical symptoms develop, however, it is almost invariably fatal. That narrow treatment window is what makes dog-bite response so critical.
Anwar’s two-month gap between the bite and his death fits the disease’s typical pattern: the virus travels slowly along nerves toward the brain, which is why post-exposure vaccination works only if given before symptoms emerge.
Dog bites in Punjab by the numbers
According to figures attributed to the Punjab health authorities, the province has recorded 70,586 dog-bite cases during the ongoing year, including 30,514 in Lahore alone. A confirmed provincial tally of rabies cases is not available.
A report submitted by the health and population welfare department to the Lahore High Court showed that Punjab recorded 232,704 dog-bite incidents in 2024, 243,299 in 2025 and 38,586 in the first three months of 2026. The figures indicate that dog bites have remained a persistent public health problem.
| Period | Dog-bite cases reported |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 232,704 |
| 2025 | 243,299 |
| Jan-Mar 2026 | 38,586 |
| 2026 to date | 70,586 |
What the government says it is doing
Provincial authorities had directed local governments and district health authorities earlier this year to address stray dog populations, ensure the safe disposal of animal carcasses and coordinate efforts to reduce attacks.
The health services directorate general also underscored the need for an uninterrupted supply of rabies vaccine, prompt treatment of bite victims and the recording of dog-bite cases on the District Health Information System dashboard.
The government says it is working through the Capture, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (CNVR) approach alongside municipal campaigns in high-risk areas, public awareness initiatives and improvements in waste management, which draws stray dogs to neighbourhoods.
Frequently asked questions
Who died of rabies in Punjab this month?
Anwar, a 70-year-old man from Jaranwala, died at Mayo Hospital after being bitten by a dog about two months ago. His death is the third rabies fatality recorded in Punjab in October.
Can rabies be treated?
Rabies can be prevented with timely vaccination after a bite. Once symptoms develop, the disease is almost always fatal. Anyone bitten by a dog should seek immediate medical care and complete the full vaccine course.
How many dog-bite cases has Punjab recorded this year?
Punjab health authorities put the figure at 70,586 cases so far this year, with 30,514 of them in Lahore.
