FCTA Confirms Eight Rabies Cases, Two Deaths, Issues Alert

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has confirmed eight rabies cases and two deaths, and has urged residents to vaccinate their dogs and cats.

The alert followed cases in Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils, where officials said two people died after rabid dog bites.

Dr Karnak Dandam, Director of Veterinary Services at the FCTA Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, said five of the recorded cases were in Gwagwalada while three were in Kwali.

Daily Post reported that the secretariat had begun measures to curb the spread and asked residents to report dog bites quickly. Dandam described rabies as a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and can be transmitted through bites from infected dogs or cats.

Premium Times also reported the FCTA figures and said residents were being urged to vaccinate pets and report animal bites immediately.

Dandam listed warning signs in humans as fever, headache, fatigue and pain or tingling around the bite site, followed by anxiety, confusion and hallucinations. In dogs, he said symptoms could include excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, aggression and fear of water.

The warning is especially important in communities where dogs move freely and vaccination is irregular. Officials are asking residents not to treat dog bites casually, even when the wound appears small.

Sources: Daily Post, Premium Times