Tamil Nadu has reported 28 rabies-related deaths so far in 2025, even as dog bite incidents continue to rise sharply across the state, according to Somasundaram, Director of the Department of Public Health and Disease Prevention.
Official data shows a consistent increase in dog bite cases over the past five years. In 2021, the state recorded 3,19,432 dog bite incidents, resulting in 19 rabies deaths. The number grew to 3,64,435 cases in 2022, with 28 deaths. In 2023, dog bite cases climbed to 4,41,804, though fatalities dropped slightly to 18.
The upward trend intensified in 2024, with 4,80,483 dog bite cases and 43 rabies deaths — the highest in recent years. In 2025, the situation has further escalated. As per the latest figures, 5.25 lakh people have already been bitten by dogs this year, leading to 28 deaths.
Health officials are urging increased public awareness, timely vaccination, and enhanced stray dog management measures to curb the growing threat of rabies across Tamil Nadu.
