Delhi Sees Spike in Dog Bite Cases, Children and Elderly Suffering in Majority

Delhi has seen a spike in dog bite cases, with children and the elderly suffering in majority. This has sparked massive concern in the National Capital Region as three major hospitals in Delhi — Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Hindu Rao Hospital — have witnessed a surge in dog bite cases over the last few years. Experts caution that medical attention is necessary within 24 hours of a dog bite, which requires hospital care.

Pertaining to the same matter, the Supreme Court on Monday took suo motu cognizance of a news report about infants in Delhi falling prey to dog bites. This has led to the spread of rabies and, in some cases, death among children and the elderly.

The Supreme Court bench, consisting of the Chief Justice of India, B.R. Gavai, directed appropriate orders.

Children, especially those under the age of 10, are at higher risk for the most severe outcomes. The seriousness of a dog bite depends on factors like the wound type, depth, extent of tissue damage, the location, and the dog’s vaccination status. Sometimes, minor-looking bites should also be carefully monitored, experts suggest. Imaging, wound washing, cleaning, and medical treatment are crucial to prevent any further infection that can later lead to dreadful diseases.

Data collected from national media show that the Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital has seen a massive increase in dog bite cases this year compared to 2021. While 63,361 cases were reported in the entire year of 2021, the hospital has registered 91,009 cases till July this year. At RML Hospital, dog bite cases increased to 45,432 between April 2022 and March 2025, marking a 30% increase.

Jagah rahta hai, but survival from rabies infection is very rare. “Timely assessment allows healthcare providers to clean the wound thoroughly, evaluate the need for antibiotics, update tetanus vaccination, and — if the animal’s rabies status is uncertain — start post-exposure prophylaxis,” says Dr. Sujeet Chatterjee, Senior Consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.