Jun 23, Kathmandu - A 48-year-old man from Ward No. 1 in Chandragiri, Kathmandu, has succumbed to rabies after being bitten by a dog two to three months ago. The victim was admitted to the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital last Friday and passed away during treatment on Saturday.

According to Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, a specialist at the hospital’s Infectious Disease Department and Research Branch Coordinator, the man was bitten by a community dog, which was confirmed to be rabies-positive. Despite the bite occurring two to three months prior, the man had not received rabies vaccination, leading to his death.

Since the beginning of 2026, only six months into the year, five rabies cases have been reported in hospitals across Nepal. Among those who died after treatment are two from Parsa, one from Khotang, and one from Nuwakot, the Medical Records Department revealed.

Dr. Pun emphasized the importance of vaccinating dogs that bite, regardless of the animal’s appearance or behavior. He also noted that rabies-related deaths are alarmingly high in Nepal, with many cases going unreported due to lack of awareness and reporting.

“Even now, it’s not uncommon for people in the capital to ignore dog bites,” he said. He stressed the need for increased awareness, especially since rabies can be 100% fatal once symptoms appear. Vaccinating dogs against rabies after a bite can prevent the deadly disease.

The doctor pointed out that many people are unaware that rabies can infect anyone and that immediate vaccination is crucial. “Every dog bite should be followed by rabies vaccination to avoid this terrifying disease,” he urged.

According to epidemiological data, around 100 people die annually in Nepal due to rabies, though actual figures may be higher due to underreporting. The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division reports that over the last fiscal year, approximately 221,000 people were bitten by dogs or wild animals, with 13 rabies-related deaths recorded in the Teku area alone.

Dr. Anuj Bhattchhan, head of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, emphasized that to eliminate rabies, local governments must focus on community dog management, vaccination campaigns, and awareness programs. He called for intensified efforts to end rabies transmission in Nepal.