In a distressing turn of events, the Benue State Government has confirmed an outbreak of the deadly rabies virus in Kwande and Gboko Local Government Areas (LGAs), leaving seven individuals infected.
The announcement was made through the official handle of Nigerian Stories on X (formerly Twitter), drawing urgent attention to the situation. According to the statement, health officials in the state are actively working to contain the spread of the virus and provide necessary treatment to those affected.
Rabies, a viral disease that is primarily transmitted through animal bites, poses a serious public health threat due to its almost 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear. Residents of Kwande and Gboko LGAs have been urged to exercise caution, avoid contact with stray or unvaccinated animals, and seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched.
The Benue State Government has also launched an awareness campaign to educate the public on preventive measures, including vaccinating pets and reporting suspected cases of infected animals to local veterinary authorities.
While the state grapples with this health emergency, the Nigerian public is reminded of the critical importance of maintaining routine animal vaccinations and ensuring prompt medical care in suspected cases of rabies exposure.
Efforts are underway to ensure adequate supplies of the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccine, a critical intervention for preventing the onset of symptoms in exposed individuals. Health authorities are calling on federal agencies and international partners to support the fight against the outbreak.
This development underscores the pressing need for enhanced veterinary services and public health infrastructure across the country to mitigate the risk of zoonotic diseases like rabies.
Stay tuned as updates unfold on efforts to curb this alarming health crisis in Benue State.
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