Rabies hits dozens of refugees in N. Bahr El Ghazal

By Hou Akot Hou

Dozens of refugees are being treated for rabies in Aweil civil hospital in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.

Luka Lual Aleu Jok, the health focal point in Northern Bhar El Ghazal State, told a local radio station in Aweil town that about 10 people are cuirrently undergoing treatment for rabies following dog bites in Wadwill area.

Aleu said they are soon running out of vaccines for rabies which could lead to loss of lives.

 “We have few vaccines which were provided by the World Health Organization and the majority of these people cannot afford the high costs of rabies vaccines in private pharmacies,” he said.

Aleu advised people against going non-vigilant with dogs as rabies dogs are on the rise.

The Director General for Animal resources, Luka Manut Jel said some patients prefer conservative treatment for rabies such as eating the hyena skin and other herbs that are not effective.

Manut said they are working with partners to ensure vaccination of all dogs in the state.

 “I want to appeal to the dog-owners to vaccinate their pets as some people love their dogs very much that they don’t want their dogs to be killed,” he said.