ENUGU CONFIRMS RABIES OUTBREAK, WARNS RESIDENTS OF DEADLY VIRUS
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By Aishat Momoh. o.
The Enugu State Government has confirmed an outbreak of Rabies in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area, raising concerns over the high fatality rate associated with the infection.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, disclosed this in a public notice on Tuesday, urging residents to exercise extreme caution.
He described rabies as a highly fatal viral disease that affects both animals and humans, mainly transmitted through bites or saliva from infected animals, particularly dogs. He warned that once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
To curb the spread, the government has introduced several containment measures, including:
Immediate vaccination of all dogs and pets
Mandatory confinement of pets to prevent roaming
Avoidance of contact with stray or unfamiliar animals
The ministry also outlined emergency steps for anyone exposed to suspected rabid animals, advising that wounds from bites or scratches should be washed thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes, followed by urgent medical attention at the nearest health facility.
Residents were further encouraged to report animals exhibiting unusual aggression, excessive salivation, abnormal behaviour, or paralysis to veterinary authorities.
Ubru assured that the state’s Veterinary Services Department is working with relevant stakeholders to contain the outbreak, while calling on community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns to prevent human casualties.
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