By KT Reporter
Residents of Ekode Village, Akoboi Parish, Akoboi Sub-county, Katakwi District, are in fear following the death of a man who was reportedly bitten by a rabid dog two weeks ago. The deceased, identified as Dan Okwi, popularly known as Ekolomito, aged about 50, was bitten by a suspected rabid dog while returning home from the trading centre.
He only received one dose of the anti-rabies vaccine at Katakwi General Hospital due to a vaccine stockout, and was unable to complete the second and third doses required for full treatment. According to Charles Opio, the councilor representing persons with disabilities in Akoboi Sub-county, Okwi could not continue treatment at private clinics because he lacked the UGX 60,000–70,000 needed for additional doses. He succumbed to the infection on Monday.
Katakwi District has recently reported an outbreak of dog rabies, with two children dead and 93 people bitten by rabid dogs. Health experts warn that rabies, a viral disease affecting the central nervous system, is fatal once symptoms appear. It spreads when infected saliva enters the body through broken skin, or via the eyes, nose, or mouth. Once the virus reaches the brain, it multiplies rapidly, causing inflammation and eventual death if untreated.
The district recently conducted a mass dog vaccination exercise, targeting over 5,000 dogs, as part of efforts to contain the spread of rabies. Dogs are commonly kept in the Teso sub-region for home security, as hiring guards is considered too expensive.
Dr. Anthony Odeke, the acting District Veterinary Officer (DVO), said the vaccination drive targeted hotspot sub-counties, including Ngariam, Palam, Omodoi, Okulonyo, Ongogonja, Guyaguya, Magoro, and parts of Getom and Akoboi.
However, residents such as Simon Peter Okiror have expressed concern about the continued threat posed by rabid dogs, urging the government to sustain routine vaccination for both dogs and cats to eliminate the disease.
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