According to the report, it is estimated that rabies is responsible for 59,000 agonizing human deaths every year – with most of those people living in poor rural communities in Africa and Asia. 40% of these deaths happen in children below the age of 15 years.
The report above clearly shows that the Upper East region is not exempted from the negative effects that come with the rabies virus in the country.
Sadly, rabies is one of the common viruses neglected mostly by the general public, Rabies is transmitted when an infected animal bites or scratches another animal, and the saliva of the infected animal enters a break in the skin (like a wound or cut), Rabies can also enter an animal’s body through the mouth, eyes, or nose and this can happen when an animal with rabies licks another animal’s face or skin.
Signs and Symptoms of Rabies in Human: The period the rabies virus enters a person’s body to the time the person starts to show signs and symptoms of rabies ranges from a few days to one year.
“Depending on the site of the bite, the length of time it takes for signs and symptoms to show are different for each person.
The closer the site is to the brain/head, the shorter the time it takes for signs and symptoms to show
Once the signs and symptoms of rabies begin to show, the person will die within a few days”.
Meanwhile, In the Upper East Region, 16 deaths have been recorded between 2018 and 2023, as a result, 13,378 dog bites were reported to health facilities for help. However, it doesn’t also mean that the cases reported to health facilities for help ended up concluded as dog bites by these facilities in the region.
Below are tips to prevent dog bites
Avoid disturbing dogs or any other animal, especially when they are sleeping, eating, or with their young ones
Dogs may bite when they are surprised, or afraid
Take your time when passing or entering a place where a dog lives
Avoid playing, touching, or getting close to stray dogs and animals that you do not know, even if they look friendly
Stay away from any dog and other animals that is acting strangely or that looks sick.
However, members of the general public have been advised to vaccinate their dogs regularly and as well report any dog bite to the nearest health facility.
The revelation was made during a media engagement forum organized by USAID Breakthrough in partnership with the Upper East Regional Directorate of Ghana Health Service.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana
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