Five persons are receiving medical treatment after a rabid dog attacked residents and livestock in Malam Matari community on the outskirts of Damaturu, Yobe State, prompting authorities to launch an emergency response to prevent the spread of rabies.
Rapid Response Team Intervenes
The Yobe State Pilot Livestock Development Programme said its Rapid Response Team swiftly intervened to contain the outbreak by safely disposing of and burying two goats that had been bitten by the infected dog.
The Programme Manager, Dr. Bulama Maina Yaro, who led the operation, said the prompt intervention was aimed at preventing further transmission of the deadly virus and protecting residents from possible fatalities.
Victims Receiving Treatment
He said the five victims were responding well to treatment and currently receiving the recommended five-dose post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccine regime.
"The situation is under control. The victims are already receiving proper medical attention, while the infected livestock were deeply buried to eliminate the risk of further transmission," he said.
Collaborative Emergency Operation
The emergency operation was carried out in collaboration with the Yobe State Ministry of Livestock through its Director of Veterinary Public Health, Abdullahi Maiwada, while the Primary Health Department of the Damaturu Local Government Area provided logistical support through its Chief Sanitation Officer, Malam Ibrahim Aliyu.
Community Sensitisation Campaign
As part of efforts to prevent future outbreaks, the response team also conducted a community sensitisation campaign in Malam Matari.
The awareness session, led by Veterinary Officer Dr. Yau Buba Wakil, educated residents on the symptoms of rabies, the immediate steps to take after dog bites, and measures to protect both humans and livestock from the disease.
Government Support Commended
Dr. Yaro commended the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni for providing the resources, vaccines and medical support that enabled the rapid containment of the outbreak.
He urged residents to promptly report suspected rabies cases to the veterinary rapid response team in Damaturu for immediate intervention.
