News
Rabies deaths hit seven as Adjumani records 48 dog bites in 23 days
Dr Mamawi Godfrey Ambayo, the district production officer, revealed that only 1,000 of the 10,000 dogs in the district had been vaccinated due to a shortage of vaccines, raising concern about the spread of rabies.
Adjumani has recorded approximately 81 dog bites between April and July, 48 cases from August 1-23, 2026. (Photo by Tasia Doreen)
By: Doreen Tasia, Journalist @New Vision
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Adjumani has recorded 48 dog-bite cases between August 1 and 23, 2026, while seven people have died amid growing concern over rabies infections in the district.
The figures were revealed during a task force meeting held at the office of the Adjumani resident district commissioner on August 27, 2026, to strengthen the response to human rabies infections reported in the district.
Lulu Henry Leku, the assistant district health officer in charge of child and maternal health, said the number of rabies-related deaths had risen to seven, raising renewed concern about the availability of anti-rabies vaccines and the need for residents to seek immediate medical attention after being bitten by dogs.
"Adjumani has recorded approximately 81 dog bites between April and July, 48 cases from August 1-23, 2026, and tragically seven deaths associated with suspected rabies, mainly children. The affected persons are from Pakelle, Mokolo East, Arinyapi, Dzaipi, and Itirikwa. The situation is extremely alarming because most of the deceased persons reported late for care, while others couldn't afford anti-rabies treatment due to financial constraints," Lulu noted.
Residents who are bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal are advised to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical care immediately for assessment and post-exposure treatment.
Dr Mamawi Godfrey Ambayo, the district production officer, revealed that only 1,000 of the 10,000 dogs in the district had been vaccinated due to a shortage of vaccines, raising concern about the spread of rabies.
"The rabies virus is normally harboured by wild animals; as being close to the Madi Wildlife Reserve, this is normally their area. Since 1989, the disease has been there, but it has not killed people from around 90s because of the timely vaccinations every year. Now, for the last 2-3 years, the government has not brought the vaccines, yet we have about 10,000 dogs in the communities, so they became vulnerable," he explained.
Residents who are bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal are advised to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical care immediately for assessment and post-exposure treatment.
Dr Mamawi Godfrey Ambayo, the district production officer, revealed that only 1,000 of the 10,000 dogs in the district had been vaccinated due to a shortage of vaccines, raising concern about the spread of rabies.
"The rabies virus is normally harboured by wild animals; as being close to the Madi Wildlife Reserve, this is normally their area. Since 1989, the disease has been there, but it has not killed people from around 90s because of the timely vaccinations every year. Now, for the last 2-3 years, the government has not brought the vaccines, yet we have about 10,000 dogs in the communities, so they became vulnerable," he explained.
Sharon Apio Baru, the assistant resident district commissioner for Adjumani, recommended the immediate culling of stray dogs to prevent further infections.
"It's quite sad that seven people have already died of rabies, which is preventable. A number of the stray dogs are already infected, which calls for immediate action as we wait for vaccines. I recommend poisoning of the dogs because it has worked for other districts," Apio said.
The increase in cases has also heightened calls for stronger surveillance of stray dogs, vaccination of domestic animals and improved access to anti-rabies vaccines in health facilities.
Health authorities are expected to intensify public awareness campaigns, particularly in communities where people have frequent contact with dogs.
With 48 dog-bite cases recorded in just 23 days and seven reported rabies-related deaths, health officials are calling for vigilance and early treatment to prevent further loss of life.
"It's quite sad that seven people have already died of rabies, which is preventable. A number of the stray dogs are already infected, which calls for immediate action as we wait for vaccines. I recommend poisoning of the dogs because it has worked for other districts," Apio said.
The increase in cases has also heightened calls for stronger surveillance of stray dogs, vaccination of domestic animals and improved access to anti-rabies vaccines in health facilities.
Health authorities are expected to intensify public awareness campaigns, particularly in communities where people have frequent contact with dogs.
With 48 dog-bite cases recorded in just 23 days and seven reported rabies-related deaths, health officials are calling for vigilance and early treatment to prevent further loss of life.