Rabies kills around 100 people annually in Nepal, says EDCD
Summary
Around 100 people die from rabies in Nepal each year, with dogs linked to nearly all human cases, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. Health officials say Nepal is working toward eliminating dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030 through vaccination, surveillance and public awareness.
Key Points
- About 100 people die from rabies in Nepal annually, and dogs are responsible for about 96 percent of animal-bite cases and nearly all human rabies cases.
- Nepal reported 223,510 animal-bite cases in fiscal year 2024/25, and about half the population lives in high-risk areas.
- The government aims to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 under a One Health approach.
- Health officials urge immediate washing of bite wounds and prompt medical treatment, and warn against using traditional remedies.
