Key Takeaways:
- Around 100 people die from rabies in Nepal each year, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD)
- 223,510 animal-bite cases were reported nationwide in fiscal year 2024/25, with dogs responsible for about 96 percent
- Nepal aims to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 under a One Health approach
- Rabies is preventable, but once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal
About 100 people die from rabies in Nepal each year, with dogs linked to nearly all human rabies cases, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD).
The warning comes on World Rabies Day, observed on September 28, as Nepal seeks to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
According to EDCD data, 223,510 animal-bite cases were reported across the country during fiscal year 2024/25, with dogs accounting for approximately 96 percent of all bites. The division said around 99 percent of human rabies cases in Nepal are associated with dog bites.
Health officials estimate that about half of Nepal's population lives in areas considered at high risk of rabies, with children identified as one of the most vulnerable groups.
Although rabies is fully preventable through timely treatment, the disease becomes fatal once symptoms appear, the EDCD said. Health authorities urge anyone bitten or scratched by a dog, cat or other potentially infected animal to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
The division also advised the public not to apply substances such as chilli, oil, mud, herbs or traditional remedies to bite wounds.
According to the EDCD, rabies vaccination and post-exposure treatment services are available through 286 centres nationwide.
Globally, rabies is estimated to cause 58,990 deaths annually. Nearly 47 percent of those deaths occur in Southeast Asia, while around 32.5 percent occur in Africa. Around 40 percent of global rabies deaths involve children under the age of 15, and dogs are associated with approximately 99 percent of human rabies cases worldwide.
The EDCD said Nepal is pursuing a One Health approach, involving human and animal health authorities, wildlife, environment, local governments and communities in rabies prevention.
Measures planned towards the 2030 target include strengthening surveillance and laboratory systems, mass vaccination of dogs, managing the dog population, improving access to post-exposure treatment and expanding public awareness programmes.
The EDCD has also called for regular vaccination of pet dogs and cats, responsible pet ownership and teaching children how to interact safely with animals.
This year's World Rabies Day is being observed under the theme "Stronger Together", emphasising coordination between human and animal health sectors in preventing the disease.
