
India experiences approximately 5,700 rabies-related deaths each year, according to recent well-substantiated studies. However, broader estimates (18,000–20,000) point to a considerable underdiagnosis and underreporting problem. Improving surveillance and awareness, especially around timely vaccination after dog bites, remains critically important to narrow this gap and save lives.
Official NCDC 2024 Data
Reported Numbers
- In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the government cited data from the National Rabies Control Programme via the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This data reported 37,17,336 dog bite cases in 2024, and 54 ‘suspected human rabies deaths’.Business StandardThe Economic TimesThe Times of India
- Similarly, Business Standard confirmed the same—over 3.7 million dog bites and 54 suspected rabies deaths, attributed to NCDC-collected data.Business Standard
State-Level Reporting via IDSP
- The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), overseen by the NCDC, provides state/UT-level breakdowns. According to recent data:
- 2024 total rabies deaths reported across all states/UTs: 54 (plus 1 in January 2025).Press Information Bureau
Summary Table
Data Source | Year | Reported Rabies Deaths (Suspected) |
---|---|---|
NCDC (National Rabies Control Programme) | 2024 | 54 |
IDSP (State/UT breakdown via NCDC) | 2024 | 54 (plus 1 death in Jan 2025) |
Estimated Annual Human Rabies Deaths in India
1. World Health Organization (WHO) Estimates
- WHO estimates that India accounts for about 36% of the world’s rabies deaths.
- Globally, over 55,000 people die from rabies annually, with India contributing 18,000 to 20,000 of these fatalities. World Health Organization+1
2. Recent Studies & National Data
- A comprehensive community-based survey and modeling study (reported in The Lancet and other medical journals) estimates that approximately 5,726 human rabies deaths occur each year in India. PubMedThe Hindu
- The ICMR (via India Today) reports a significant reduction in rabies-related deaths—now around 5,700 annually, reflecting a 75% decline from higher figures in the past. India Today+1
3. Official Surveillance Data & Underreporting
- NCDC (National Centre for Disease Control) reported just 54 suspected rabies deaths in 2024, a strikingly low figure that is widely regarded as underreported. The Times of India
- Other government sources, such as the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), indicate 286 rabies deaths in 2023—still considered significantly under-estimated. The HinduThe Times of India
Summary Table
Source / Estimate Type | Estimated Annual Rabies Deaths in India |
---|---|
WHO Global Estimate | 18,000 – 20,000 |
Recent Modeling Study (Lancet) | ~5,726 |
ICMR / Government Reports | ~5,700 |
NCDC Official (2024) | 54 (severe underreporting) |
IDSP (2023) | 286 (likely underreported) |
Final Conclusion
- The official NCDC figure for suspected human rabies deaths in 2024 stands at 54, based on both national and state-level reports.
- However, credible epidemiological studies and global estimates indicate much higher numbers—-ranging from 5,700 to 18,000–20,000 deaths per year.
- This immense discrepancy highlights significant gaps in surveillance, reporting, and recognition of the true rabies burden in India.