Rabies on the rise in Kampala, Wakiso
Apr 23, 2009
THERE has been an increase in the number of animal bites in Kampala and Wakiso districts. A total of 290 cases of animal bites were recorded countrywide, the report said.
By Chris Kiwawulo
THERE has been an increase in the number of animal bites in Kampala and Wakiso districts.
According to a report by the health ministry, 23 cases of suspected rabies were registered in Kampala and 35 in Wakiso in the second week of this month.
A total of 290 cases of animal bites were recorded countrywide, the report said.
Dogs and cats are the most renowned carriers of rabies and transmit the virus to humans through saliva by biting them.
Although there are no deaths recorded yet, the number of animal bites in the two districts has increased, indicating a rise in unimmunised animals in the two districts.
Kampala City Council (KCC) spokesperson Simon Muhumuza blamed the increase in animal bites on overcrowding.
“Kampala district is 195 sqkm with two million people, most of them living in a crammed environment. So, this puts them at a high risk of animal bites,†he explained.
Muhumuza called upon the public to keep their animals indoors, adding that stray animals would be killed.
Attempts to get a comment from the KCC health inspector, Dr. Mesach Mubiru and Wakiso district health director Dr. Emmanuel Mukisa were futile as their phones were switched off.
THERE has been an increase in the number of animal bites in Kampala and Wakiso districts.
According to a report by the health ministry, 23 cases of suspected rabies were registered in Kampala and 35 in Wakiso in the second week of this month.
A total of 290 cases of animal bites were recorded countrywide, the report said.
Dogs and cats are the most renowned carriers of rabies and transmit the virus to humans through saliva by biting them.
Although there are no deaths recorded yet, the number of animal bites in the two districts has increased, indicating a rise in unimmunised animals in the two districts.
Kampala City Council (KCC) spokesperson Simon Muhumuza blamed the increase in animal bites on overcrowding.
“Kampala district is 195 sqkm with two million people, most of them living in a crammed environment. So, this puts them at a high risk of animal bites,†he explained.
Muhumuza called upon the public to keep their animals indoors, adding that stray animals would be killed.
Attempts to get a comment from the KCC health inspector, Dr. Mesach Mubiru and Wakiso district health director Dr. Emmanuel Mukisa were futile as their phones were switched off.