Five residents of Malam Matari community, the outskirts of Damaturu, the Yobe State Capital, are receiving medical treatment after they were bitten by a dog confirmed to have rabies.
The incident 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.
The Programme Manager, Dr Bulama Maina Yaro, who supervised the emergency operation, said 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.
He said all five victims were responding well to treatment and had commenced the recommended five-dose post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccination.
According to him, 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.
The emergency response was carried out in collaboration with the Yobe State Ministry of Livestock, led by the Director of Veterinary Public Health, Abdullahi Maiwada. The Primary Health Department of Damaturu Local Government also supported the exercise through its Chief Sanitation Officer, Ibrahim Aliyu.
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.
Veterinary Officer Dr Yau Buba Wakil led the sensitisation exercise.
Dr Yaro commended the Yobe State Government under Governor Mai Mala Buni for providing vaccines, logistics and other resources that enabled the rapid response to the outbreak.
He also urged residents to report suspected rabies cases promptly to the veterinary rapid response team to ensure early intervention and safeguard both human and animal health.
