Rabies Risk in Istanbul: 2025 Data and Trends

Istanbul experienced a significant number of potential rabies exposures in 2025, with over 123,000 individuals seeking medical care following animal bites and scratches. This surge highlights the ongoing public health challenge posed by rabies in the region, particularly in certain districts.

Rising Numbers of Rabies-Risk Hospital Visits

In 2025, a total of 123,538 people in Istanbul visited hospitals due to potential rabies exposure Daily Sabah. This resulted in the administration of 411,432 rabies vaccinations across the city’s 25 vaccination centers Takvim, Haber 7.

District-Specific Hotspots

The Kadıköy district recorded the highest number of rabies-risk contacts, with 8,483 cases Takvim, Haber 7. Üsküdar followed with 6,429 cases, Pendik with 5,343, Maltepe with 5,314, Kartal with 4,993, and Küçükçekmece with 4,815 Takvim, Haber 7. The lowest number of cases was reported in the Adalar district, with 646 Takvim, Haber 7.

Vaccination Centers and Administration

Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital administered the most rabies vaccinations, with 54,83 doses Takvim, Haber 7. Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital followed with 39,826 doses, and Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital with 29,175 Takvim, Haber 7.

Sources of Exposure

The majority of reported exposures stemmed from contact with cats (83%), followed by dogs (16%), and other animals like cattle, foxes, wolves, and jackals Haber 7.

Worldwide, over 59,000 people die annually from rabies Takvim, Haber 7. Rabies is 100% preventable with vaccination if administered promptly after exposure Haber 7.