The Enugu State Government has alerted residents to the outbreak of rabies in the Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation in Enugu State, Patrick Ubru, disclosed this in a public notice issued on Tuesday.
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Rabies is a highly fatal viral disease that affects both animals and humans. It is primarily transmitted through the bite or saliva of infected animals, especially dogs.
Mr Ubru warned residents to be cautious about the outbreak, given that the disease is often fatal once clinical signs appear.
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The commissioner urged all dog owners to vaccinate their dogs and other pets against rabies without delay, and urged other pet owners to confine their animals and prevent them from roaming freely.
“Members of the public should avoid contact with stray or unfamiliar animals,” he cautioned.
The official advised residents to report to their nearest veterinary authority whenever any animal shows signs of aggression, excessive salivation, abnormal behaviour, or paralysis.
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“Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with mild soap under running water for at least 10 minutes and seek urgent medical care at the nearest health facility,” he said.
Mr Ubru called on community leaders to sensitise villagers on the dangers of rabies and the importance of prevention.
“The ministry is actively working with relevant authorities to contain the outbreak and protect public health,” he stated.
The outbreak happened less than two years after Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State urged dog owners in the state to vaccinate their dogs against rabies as part of the state’s efforts to eliminate the continued transmission of the disease.
Rabies infection
Rabies is a neglected tropical disease that primarily impacts poor and vulnerable communities, especially those residing in isolated rural areas.
It occurs in more than 150 countries and territories worldwide. In Nigeria, where several cases have been reported, the disease is transmitted by dogs, especially stray and unvaccinated pets.
Data shows that infection causes tens of thousands of deaths every year, mostly in Asia and Africa. Children are the group most susceptible to rabies.
Experts say children have the greatest risk of exposure because they are frequently the victims of animal bites, due to their small size, playful nature, and their tendency to provoke animals.
Rabies is estimated to cause 59,000 human deaths each year across more than 150 countries, with 95 per cent of these cases occurring in Africa and Asia, according to the WHO.
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