What happened
October 12, 2026 report: Nepal News says 40 people sought treatment at Bheri Hospital after monkey bites in Nepalgunj, Nepal, over approximately a month and a half. Residents describe monkeys entering homes and shops, and injuries while trying to drive them away. Local officials say a municipal response is being developed.
The 40 figure is a treatment count across weeks, not 40 victims of one attack or 40 confirmed inpatient admissions. The Daily Star headline says the hospital is running out of beds, but the local report reviewed provides no verified bed-occupancy figure. We keep that claim qualified.
The report also puts monkey bites alongside earlier 45-day animal-bite data:865 dog bites,110 cat bites,40 monkey bites and 21 rat bites, totaling 1,036. These four categories are distinct from the separately reported snakebite and other incidents. Medical care, including rabies vaccination, does not establish that rabies has been diagnosed.
WHO advises immediate washing with soap and water for at least 15 minutes after a bite or scratch from a potentially rabid animal, followed by medical attention. A clinician assesses the injury and preventive treatment needs.
Every statement is attributed to the cited reporting. Visuals marked “file photo” or “illustrative” do not depict the events described unless stated.