One more rabies patient loses life

Number of rabies-related deaths in Sindh this year rises to 40

KARACHI:

One more patient died of rabies in the metropolis, bringing the number of rabies-related deaths in Sindh this year to 40.

The 38-year-old man, Javed, was from Hyderabad. He had been bitten on the face by a stray dog four months ago and died at Jinnah Hospital.

Hospital officials said he was brought to the emergency department with hydrophobia, fever and difficulty swallowing. After examining him, the neurology team diagnosed rabies encephalitis. His condition was critical. He was given a dose of rabies vaccine during treatment, but could not survive.

This is the 11th rabies case reported at JPMC so far this year.

Medical experts warn that rabies is a fatal disease and that saving a patient's life becomes extremely difficult once symptoms appear. Anyone bitten or scratched by a dog or another animal suspected of carrying rabies should immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Rabies vaccination-and, when advised by a doctor, immunoglobulin-should be given promptly.

Bites to the face or head can be particularly dangerous, so treatment should not be delayed.