Five residents of Malam Matari community, on the outskirts of Damaturu, are receiving medical treatment after being bitten by a dog confirmed to have rabies, in an incident that has raised fresh concerns over public health and animal disease control in Yobe State.
The attack also affected livestock, prompting the Yobe State Pilot Livestock Development Programme to deploy its Rapid Response Team to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus.
The Programme Manager, Dr Bulama Maina Yaro, who supervised the emergency operation, said the five victims were responding well to treatment and had commenced the recommended five-dose post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccination.
He added that the swift response helped contain the situation before it escalated.
“The situation is under control. The affected persons are receiving appropriate medical care, while the infected animals have been safely buried to prevent further spread of the virus,” Dr Yaro said.
According to him, two goats attacked by the rabid dog were safely disposed of and buried in line with veterinary public health guidelines to eliminate the risk of further transmission.
As part of the intervention, veterinary officials conducted a public awareness campaign in Malam Matari to educate residents on the dangers of rabies, how to identify symptoms in animals, what to do after a dog bite, and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
The sensitisation exercise was led by Veterinary Officer Dr Yau Buba Wakil.