Istanbul hospitals treated 123,538 individuals in 2025 alone who sought medical attention following animal bites or scratches categorized as “potentially dangerous encounters.”
A surprising aspect of the data revealed the primary source of these injuries: cats accounted for 83% of all cases, followed by dogs at 16%. A small remaining percentage involved other animals such as livestock, foxes, and wolves.
Geographically within Istanbul, the Kadıköy district reported the highest number of potentially dangerous encounters with 8,483 cases. Üsküdar followed with 6,429 cases, and Pendik with 5,343. Malttepe, Kartal, and Küçükçekmece also reported significant numbers of incidents.
Conversely, the Princes’ Islands (Adalar) recorded the lowest number of cases with only 646, followed by Şile with 1,264 and Güngören with 1,292.
In response to the high volume of cases, Istanbul health authorities administered a total of 411,432 rabies vaccinations through 25 dedicated vaccination centers. This proactive measure highlights the importance of preventative care in managing potential rabies exposure.
Major hospitals played a central role in providing medical services. Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital led with 54,083 doses administered, followed by Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Hospital with 39,826 doses, and Haydarpaşa Hospital, which provided over 29,000 doses to patients.
According to data from the Istanbul Directorate of Health, the last confirmed human case of rabies in the city was recorded in 2007. This long period without human cases demonstrates the effectiveness of current prevention strategies.
Rabies is a fatal disease transmitted through the bite or scratches of animals, or contact of infected saliva with open wounds. Common sources of infection include dogs, cats, foxes, and wolves.
The World Health Organization reports that more than 59,000 people die annually worldwide from rabies, a disease that is invariably fatal if left untreated. These statistics underscore the global public health threat posed by rabies and the need for continued vigilance.
The incubation period for the virus typically ranges from 14 to 90 days after exposure. Early recognition of potential exposure and prompt medical attention are crucial for effective prevention.
Despite the severity and rapid progression of the disease after clinical symptoms appear, the good news is that It’s 100% preventable through timely vaccination. This emphasizes the critical role of vaccination in protecting both individuals and communities.
