570 Thousand Rabies-Risk Exposures Occurred in Turkey in 2025
According to data shared on September 28 World Rabies Day, thousands of risky contacts were recorded in our country, while experts stated that early vaccination saves lives.
According to data announced within the scope of September 28 World Rabies Day, 570,055 rabies-risk exposures occurred in Turkey throughout 2025, and one human rabies case was detected.
Risky Contact Data and Cases
Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. İsmet Battal announced that the number of rabies-risk contacts experienced in our country in 2025 was 570,055.
According to these disclosed data, one human rabies case was detected across Turkey during the aforementioned period.
Distribution of Animal Rabies Cases
While approximately half of the identified animal rabies cases are seen in cats and dogs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, and wild animals also hold a significant share.
Experts emphasize that contacts with cats and dogs must definitely not be underestimated.
Quarantine Status by Region
While the distribution of animal rabies cases by cities is not officially announced, positive cases and quarantine practices are predominantly observed in the Eastern Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia, and Central Anatolia regions.
Other Diseases That May Arise After Contact
Contact with animals brings not only the risk of rabies but also various infectious diseases.
Conditions such as cat scratch disease, leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, hydatid cyst, scabies, and ringworm are among the health problems that may occur following contact.
The Vital Importance of the Rabies Vaccine
It is stated that there is no medical treatment for rabies after symptoms begin, and therefore the protective vaccine to be administered after risky contact is of vital importance.
Dr. İsmet Battal stated that the vaccine is administered not to treat the disease but for protection, and that early-initiated protection saves lives.
Global Rabies Picture and Comparisons
According to World Health Organization data, approximately 60,000 people die worldwide every year due to rabies, and more than 95 percent of these deaths occur in Asia and Africa.
While 1-2 human rabies cases are seen annually in Turkey, this number ranges between an average of 1-3 in the USA, and 0 to 2 cases are encountered annually across Europe.