Two die from dog bites in Tororo

Two people in Tororo district are reported to have died of rabies after they were bitten by dogs.

The district veterinary officer, Dr Boniface Obbo, said one of them was from Katajula in Nagongera sub-county, while the other was from Namutumba district and had visited a relative in Tororo.

Obbo said dog bites have become rampant with over six reported cases, especially of women and children, being reported per month. He said the worst affected areas are Kalait and Nagongera.

He said many people do not seek treatment after dog bites, yet the Government is providing medicine free of charge, compared to the sh240,000, which is charged in private clinics for a dose.

"Whereas we provide free treatment for dog bites at Tororo Main Hospital, most people ignore treatment, leaving the virus to reach an advanced stage in the brain,'' Obbo said.

He said it is advisable that once one is bitten by a dog, they immediately wash the affected part with soap and water and rush to the nearest health facility.

He warned the public against rushing to witchdoctors or herbalists for treatment.

Obbo said as part of the activities to mark the World Rabies Day, which is celebrated every September 28, they decided to embark on creating awareness and vaccinating all dogs and cats in Kalait sub-county.

The viral zoonotic disease affects the brain and makes dogs change behaviour and spread the disease by biting human beings.

Dr Sylvia Baluka Angubua, the president of the Uganda Veterinary Association, said: "It's one of the diseases with a very variable incubation period. The most common is 21-28 days after someone is bitten by a rabid dog. The person will start to show that nervous sign and when that happens, we are sure death is coming 100%."

"It would be nice for the law to make it mandatory for dog owners to vaccinate them and other pets," said Dr Angubua.