Rabies hits Kabale District

Kabale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Kabale district has been put on high alert following increased attacks by rabid dogs. The disease, prevented by vaccinating dogs, has so far claimed the life of a primary two pupil at Kibuga primary school in Kibuga sub-county.

Angel Amanyabyona who died last week was trekking to his grandparents’ home in the same area and was bitten by a stray dog. He was later taken to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital but died.

Officials are calling for vigilance among members of the public following the confirmed presence of deadly rabies disease in the area.

Dr.Gilbert Mateeka, Kabale District Health Officer revealed to our reporter on Thursday that investigations indicate that the victim was bitten by a dog two months ago but delayed to seek medical attention. Mateeka however says that by the time the child died, he had already bitten his mother who is also now admitted at Kabale regional referral hospital with rabies.

Mateeka also says that last week, a suspected stray rabid bit five people in Kigongi, central Division, Kabale Municipality but only one reported the matter to the office of the District Veterinary Officer.

Two weeks ago, another suspected rabid dog also bit a person in Kyanamira sub-county.  In the same week, another dog also bit an unspecified number of people in Kigongi, central division. Both dogs were killed by locals.

Mateeka calls for vigilance control of dog movements in communities.

Angella Anyongyeire, Kabale District Veterinary Officer says that measures are being put by district authorities to have all the dogs vaccinated soon.  She says that after the exercise, all the unvaccinated dogs will be confined and killed.

In August 2023, over 2000 dogs were vaccinated in the districts of Kabale, Rukiga and Rubanda against rabies. The operation was conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries with support from Mission Rabies.

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease affecting the central nervous system. In up to 99% of human rabies cases, dogs are responsible for virus transmission, according to the World Health Organization. Rabies spreads to people and animals via saliva, usually through bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucosa like eyes, mouth, or open wounds.

Symptoms of rabies include generic signs like fever, pain and unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking, or burning sensations at the wound site. As the virus moves to the central nervous system, progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord develops. Clinical rabies in people can be managed but very rarely cured, and not without severe neurological deficits.

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