The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has confirmed eight cases of rabies and two related deaths in the territory. Residents are being urged to vaccinate their dogs and cats and report any animal bites immediately.
The Director of Veterinary Services at the FCTA Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Karnak Dandam, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mr Dandam said the two fatalities occurred in Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils after rabid dogs bit the victims. Of the eight confirmed cases, five were recorded in Gwagwalada Area Council and three in Kwali Area Council.
He described rabies as a fatal viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected dog or cat. He warned that the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, stressing the importance of seeking immediate medical attention following exposure.
“The immediate remedy after a bite is to wash the affected area with soap and plenty of water as first aid, and immediately present the victim to medical personnel for treatment,” Mr Dandam advised.
