नेपाली
September 28, 2026 Kathmandu
Around 100 people die from rabies in Nepal every year, with dogs associated with nearly all human rabies cases, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD).
The figures were released on World Rabies Day, observed on September 28, as Nepal continues its efforts to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
According to EDCD data, Nepal recorded 223,510 animal-bite cases nationwide in fiscal year 2024/25. Dogs accounted for approximately 96 percent of the reported bites, while around 99 percent of human rabies cases are associated with dog bites.
Health authorities estimate that nearly half of Nepal’s population lives in areas at high risk of rabies, with children among the most vulnerable groups.
Rabies is preventable if timely post-exposure treatment is provided. However, once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
The EDCD has advised people who are bitten or scratched by a potentially infected animal to immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
Health officials have also warned against applying chilli, oil, mud, herbs or other traditional substances to bite wounds.
Rabies vaccination and post-exposure treatment services are currently available through 286 centres across the country, according to the EDCD.
Globally, rabies is estimated to cause around 58,990 deaths annually. Nearly 47 percent of these deaths occur in Southeast Asia and about 32.5 percent in Africa. Children under the age of 15 account for approximately 40 percent of rabies deaths worldwide, while dogs are associated with around 99 percent of human rabies cases.
Nepal is pursuing a One Health approach to achieve its 2030 target, bringing together human and animal health authorities, local governments, wildlife and environmental agencies, and communities.
The measures include strengthening disease surveillance and laboratory systems, expanding mass dog vaccination programmes, managing the dog population, improving access to post-exposure treatment and increasing public awareness.
The EDCD has also urged people to regularly vaccinate pet dogs and cats, practise responsible pet ownership and teach children how to interact safely with animals. This year’s World Rabies Day is being observed under the theme “Stronger Together,” highlighting the importance of coordination between human and animal health sectors in preventing rabies.
Source: Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) / The Himalayan Times
