Five Yobe residents hospitalised after rabies-infected dog attack
Five Residents Treated for Rabies in Yobe State
MALAM MATARI, Nigeria — Five residents from the Malam Matari community, located on the outskirts of Damaturu, are currently receiving medical care after being bitten by a dog that tested positive for rabies. This incident has stirred renewed concerns regarding public health and animal disease management in Yobe State.
The rabid dog also posed a threat to livestock, prompting the Yobe State Pilot Livestock Development Programme to dispatch its Rapid Response Team to manage the outbreak and prevent further transmission of the virus.
Dr. Bulama Maina Yaro, the Programme Manager overseeing the emergency response, reported that the five victims are responding positively to treatment and have begun a five-dose series of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccinations.
“The situation is under control,” Dr. Yaro stated. He noted that those affected are receiving the necessary medical care and that the rabid animals have been safely buried to mitigate the risk of further spread.
As part of the containment efforts, two goats that were attacked by the rabid dog have been properly disposed of in accordance with veterinary public health guidelines.
In addition to medical interventions, veterinary officials conducted a public awareness campaign in Malam Matari. This initiative aimed to educate residents about the dangers of rabies, how to spot symptoms in animals, and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention following a dog bite.
The sensitization campaign was led by Veterinary Officer Dr. Yau Buba Wakil.
