This alarming situation is concentrated in some of Punjab's major districts.

Punjab Reports 900+ Dog-Bite Cases Daily: Govt Data Shows Alarming Spike and 8 Rabies Deaths

There has been a surge in dog-bite cases in Punjab. According to state government data cited in a report by the Hindustan Times, the state now reports about 923 dog-bite incidents on a daily basis. A total of around 2.77 lakh cases have been recorded by October 30, 2025. It is more than double the number of cases since 2020, when the count was 1.10 lakh.

According to the same health department data referenced in the report, “1.9 lakh are classified as grade-2 bites, and 43,740 are classified as grade-3, the most severe type that involves deep wounds or saliva exposure. Shockingly, only 67.35 percent of victims with grade-2 and grade-3 bites have completed the full post-exposure rabies vaccination course (PEP).

This year has also witnessed eight confirmed rabies deaths. This is the highest number ever recorded in a single year in the state.

Health experts caution that rabies, once it sets in, is almost always fatal. The report highlights that in at least two of the eight fatal cases, patients did not receive anti-rabies serum (ARS) despite its availability at the health centre. In one instance, a patient reportedly came for treatment only after rabies symptoms had already begun. This is a sign of both delayed access and poor awareness among victims, particularly in rural and underprivileged communities, as described by health officials quoted in the story.

This alarming situation is concentrated in some of Punjab’s major districts. Cities such as Amritsar, Ludhiana and Patiala continue to report the highest number of bite cases, highlighting that the problem spans both urban and semi-urban areas.

Officials say that the health department has instructed medical staff to intensify counselling for victims and to follow up to ensure completion of the PEP schedule, which is a critical step given that partial vaccination and missed doses leave people vulnerable.

The alarmingly high numbers, daily bite counts, low treatment completion, and rising rabies deaths need urgent action. Experts argue that the state must intensify stray-dog population control, expand awareness campaigns, and ensure universal and timely access to PEP. Without immediate action, a bite could turn into a fatal and preventable tragedy.

Source: Hindustan Times