KOCHI: Udayamperoor native Annamma never expected to be bitten by a dog in her home. However, on Friday, she and and her pet dog, along with three others, were attacked by a mongrel, as panic ensued in the region.
“She was in her home around noon. The aggressive mutt entered the house and attacked her and her pet dog. We took her to hospital and informed panchayat officials. The same dog went on to attack several people, including a child, and dogs in the area, raising concern,” said Abi K B, a neighbour. The dog was later found dead and tested positive for rabies.
According to data released by Minister for Local Self-Government M B Rajesh, in response to a question in the state assembly, the number of people seeking medical attention (post-exposure prophylaxis) for rabies in the state has steadily increased – from 2,21,379 in 2021 to 3,69,272 in 2025.
“The rise in the number of cases and deaths is the result of a lack of policies and proper implementation. The local bodies should ensure scientific management of waste and strengthen ABC [animal birth control] units. However, the majority of local bodies have failed to tackle the issue. Rapid urbanisation, changing consumption patterns, and poor waste management have combined to create a favourable environment for stray dogs. Rectifying issues in waste management and implementing the licensing and vaccination of dogs can only tackle the issue,” said M M Abbas, a health activist.
Among districts, Thiruvananthapuram was the most affected in 2025, with 58,108 cases, followed by Kollam, with 45,521 cases. The number of deaths reported in the state has also risen from 11 in 2021 to 33 in 2025.
Public health expert Dr Purushothaman Kuzhikkathukandiyil said the increase in fatalities should be investigated. “The public is now more aware of vaccinations and immunoglobulin medication.
The services, which were earlier limited to medical colleges and district hospitals, are now also available at peripheral-level hospitals. Thus, there should be no any delay in seeking medical attention. A detailed investigation into the deaths should be conducted. The government should be vigilant about vaccines,” he said, adding that the efficacy of vaccines and immunoglobulin should be tested frequently.
Abi said local bodies and officials should take prompt action to prevent incidents involving stray dogs. “On Friday, we informed panchayat officials about the attack. However, the delay in taking action resulted in two more incidents. Animal lovers who feed stray dogs should be warned and such activity curbed,” he added. According to Dr Purushothaman, the disproportionate increase of the stray dog population in the state is one key reason for the spike in numbers of rabies deaths.