22.02.2026 20:12
In 2025, there was a significant increase in rabies cases in Istanbul. Due to risky contact with rabies, 123,538 people sought treatment at hospitals in the megacity. A total of 411,432 people were vaccinated against rabies.
In Istanbul, in 2025, 123,538 people applied to hospitals due to rabies risk exposure, and 411,432 rabies vaccinations were administered.
RABIES CASES INCREASED IN ISTANBUL IN 2025 The rabies disease, which is transmitted to humans through bites from animals such as dogs, cats, foxes, jackals, and wolves, or through infected saliva contaminating wounds, results in death. According to World Health Organization data, more than 59,000 people die from rabies each year worldwide.
The incubation period of rabies disease, following a bite from an animal, usually lasts 14-90 days. Rabies disease, which dramatically results in death after clinical symptoms appear, can be treated 100% with a vaccine.
MORE THAN 120,000 PEOPLE APPLIED TO HOSPITALS According to information obtained by AA reporter from the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate, the last rabies case in the city was seen in 2007, and in 2025, 123,538 people applied to hospitals due to rabies risk exposure from bites and scratches. 83% of these applications were due to cats, 16% to dogs, and the remainder was due to contact with animals such as cattle, foxes, wolves, and jackals.
KADIKÖY IS THE DISTRICT WITH THE MOST CASES The district with the most contacts in Istanbul was Kadıköy, with 8,483 cases. Kadıköy was followed by Üsküdar with 6,429 cases, Pendik with 5,343 cases, Maltepe with 5,314 cases, Kartal with 4,993 cases, and Küçükçekmece with 4,815 cases. The district with the least cases in the city was Adalar, with 646 cases. Adalar was followed by Şile with 1,264 cases and Güngören with 1,292 cases.
411,432 RABIES VACCINATIONS ADMINISTERED A total of 411,432 rabies vaccinations were administered at 25 vaccination centers in the city to 123,538 people at risk of rabies due to animal contacts.
The place where the most vaccinations were administered was Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital, with 54,083 vaccinations. The second place with the most vaccinations was Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, with 39,826 vaccinations, and the third place was Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, with 29,175 vaccinations.
"PROPHYLAXIS SHOULD BE INITIATED FOR WOUNDS THAT COMPROMISE SKIN INTEGRITY" Istanbul Provincial Health Director Assoc. Dr. Abdullah Emre Güner stated that rabies is a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system.
Pointing out that rapid intervention is required for individuals with a history of rabies exposure, Güner noted that there are 25 rabies vaccination centers in Istanbul that operate 24/7.
Güner, who provided information that 123,538 people applied to hospitals in Istanbul in 2025 due to rabies risk exposure, said, "As in Turkey, there can be contacts with stray animals or due to love for animals in Istanbul. In cases of wounds that compromise skin integrity, scratches, and bites, we need to at least start prophylactic measures."
Istanbul Provincial Health Director Assoc. Dr. Abdullah Emre Güner Güner expressed that planning and organization in the fight against rabies have been ongoing for years, stating that the Turkish healthcare system has revolutionized both treatment and primary healthcare services under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with the Health Transformation Project.
Assoc. Dr. Güner explained that the vaccines are monitored through a cold chain system from the moment they leave the main depot in Ankara until the time of administration.
Calling on citizens to be cautious about rabies, Güner emphasized that injuries should be avoided during contact with stray animals, cats, dogs, or rodents.
He stated that in case of any scratches or damage to skin integrity, individuals should apply to the nearest healthcare facility or one of the 25 rabies centers announced on the website and social media accounts of the Provincial Health Directorate, and he added:
"If prophylaxis and vaccination are done quickly, rabies is a 100% preventable disease, but we must also keep in mind that if we delay, we may face a fatal danger. There is no reason for us to be afraid or anxious. If intervention is made early, our citizens can reach healing without any problems."