12 children hospitalised after stray dog attack in Oyam
Ogwal said the 12 children, aged between three and 12 years, were bitten by stray dogs, along with four pigs and three dogs from the community.
Residents said the stray dogs are believed to come from Pukica parishes in Kamdini subcounty and roam freely in the area. (File photo)
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At least 12 juveniles were rushed to the hospital after being bitten by a stray dog in Apala A village, Juma parish, Kamdini subcounty, Oyam district. Two adults were also bitten in the attack.
Richard Ogwal, the LC I chairperson of Apala A village, Juma parish, Kamdini subcounty, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Sunday (April 26) between 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm.
He said the 12 children, aged between three and 12 years, were bitten by stray dogs, along with four pigs and three dogs from the community.
Ogwal said the children were immediately taken to Nimaro Clinic in Zambia parish, Kamdini subcounty, for first aid. They were later referred to Anyeke Health Centre IV for proper treatment.
However, the conditions of one of the juveniles deteriorated shortly after the attacks, prompting urgent referral to the government facility for anti-rabies and tetanus injections.
Denish Opio said stray dogs bit his 12-year-old daughter, Justine Ogwal, while Robert Opio said a dog attacked a four-year-old child who was playing at home.
Residents said the stray dogs are believed to come from Pukica parishes in Kamdini subcounty and roam freely in the area.
The veterinary officer in charge of Kamdini subcounty, Walter Okuma, called on the community to take preventive measures.
Okuma said the "stray dogs and resultant deaths" have become a concern and urged communities to support vaccination efforts, adding that the government will provide medicines.
He said those who vaccinate their dogs will receive certificates.