The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued an urgent public health alert following the confirmation of eight rabies cases and two related fatalities within the territory.
The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat of the FCTA confirmed that the two deaths occurred in the Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils after the victims were bitten by rabid dogs. Out of the eight documented cases, five were recorded in Gwagwalada and three in Kwali.
According to Dr. Karnak Dandam, the Director of Veterinary Services at the secretariat, laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of the virus from animal samples collected between March and June.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites or scratches of infected animals, most commonly domestic dogs and cats. Because the virus is almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms manifest, health officials are emphasizing immediate preventative action.
In response to the outbreak, the FCTA has intensified public awareness campaigns and finalized plans to launch a comprehensive mass vaccination exercise targeting dogs and cats across all six area councils. Veterinary health teams plan to visit communities, villages, and towns to vaccinate domestic pets and issue formal vaccination certificates and licenses to owners.
Dr. Dandam urged residents to restrict the movement of their pets to prevent them from roaming the streets and interacting with potentially infected stray animals. He also advised pet owners to watch for sudden behavioral adjustments in their animals, noting that infected pets often isolate themselves, become unprovokedly aggressive, or attack familiar objects and owners.
Public health authorities strongly advise residents to ensure all domestic pets receive up-to-date vaccinations. In the event of an animal bite, individuals must wash the wound thoroughly, report the incident immediately to veterinary officials, and seek prompt medical attention at a healthcare facility to receive post-exposure prophylaxis.
