The increase in dog ownership across the country, along with the growing popularity of these pets on social media, has caught the attention of epidemiologists and public health experts. They are concerned about a potential rise in rabies cases and are advocating for the consistent vaccination of dogs and puppies to lower the risk of transmission to humans.

Rabies, a lethal viral disease spread through the saliva of infected animals, is a significant public health threat in Nigeria. Although preventable, rabies remains a persistent challenge, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare services, including vaccination, diagnosis, and awareness programs, is limited.

Experts emphasize that rabies is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected animals, notably dogs. Given that Nigeria has a considerable population of stray dogs, the risk of rabies transmission is heightened.

The World Health Organization classifies rabies as a vaccine-preventable zoonotic disease that affects the central nervous system. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is nearly always fatal.

Despite the availability of effective human vaccines and immunoglobulins for rabies, access to these resources is often constrained for those in need, particularly marginalized communities. Rabies is prevalent in over 150 countries and territories, causing tens of thousands of deaths annually, with a high burden in Asia and Africa.

Shockingly, nearly 40% of rabies victims are children under 15 years old. Dogs play a crucial role as the primary source of human rabies deaths, responsible for up to 99% of transmissions to humans.

Preventing rabies requires a multi-faceted approach, including the vaccination of dogs and the promotion of responsible pet ownership to reduce the risk of dog bites.

WHO mentioned, “Rabies virus spreads to people and animals via saliva, usually through bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucosa (eyes, mouth, or open wounds).

“After exposure of people to a potentially rabid animal, they should seek post-exposure prophylaxis, which consists of immediate, thorough wound washing.

“Globally rabies causes an estimated cost of US$ 8.6 billion per year. Children between the ages of five and 14 years are frequent victims. Rabies is present on all continents except Antarctica, with over 95 per cent of human deaths occurring in Asia and Africa.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Africa bears nearly 95% of global rabies-related deaths, with Nigeria being one of the continent’s hardest-hit countries. Although rabies is a preventable disease, it continues to cause fatalities in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting children who are more likely to come into contact with stray dogs .

“Preventing rabies requires a multi-faceted approach involving vaccination campaigns, animal control measures, public education, and access to post-exposure prophylaxis for individuals bitten by potentially rabid animals,” the WHO noted.

Wakadaily learnt that, the Physicians emphasize that controlling animal populations and promoting responsible pet ownership are key to reducing the risk of rabies transmission.

Dr. Marcel Ikerionwu, a Consultant Epidemiologist and Public Health specialist, stresses that sterilizing and vaccinating pet dogs can significantly lower the risk of rabies transmission.

He highlights the importance of public education in raising awareness about rabies, its symptoms, and prevention strategies, and notes that educating communities about avoiding contact with stray animals, seeking prompt medical care after animal bites, and vaccinating pets is crucial for reducing the incidence of rabies.

He stated, “Access to post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes rabies vaccination and rabies immunoglobulin administration is critical for individuals bitten by potentially rabid animals.”

Ikerionwu pointed out that despite continuous efforts to combat rabies in Nigeria, numerous challenges persist, including insufficient funding, limited resources, and weak healthcare infrastructure.

The physician expressed concern that these obstacles hinder the country’s ability to implement comprehensive rabies control programs, citing a lack of coordination among government agencies and stakeholders as a barrier to collaborative disease management.

Dr. Ovie Efekodo, a Consultant Public Health Physician at the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba, Delta State, emphasized that in Nigeria, rabies is primarily spread through bites from infected dogs, with other animals like cats, bats, and even monkeys also capable of carrying the virus.

He explained that the incubation period for rabies typically ranges from two to three months but can vary from one week to a year based on factors such as the site of virus entry and viral load.

Dr. Ikerionwu explained that the early signs of rabies can be non-specific, including symptoms like fever, pain, and abnormal sensations such as tingling, pricking, or burning at the site of the wound, which may not be easily recognizable as rabies-related.

He noted, “As the virus moves to the central nervous system, progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord develops. Clinical rabies in people can be managed but very rarely cured, and not without severe neurological deficits.

“Rabies elimination is feasible and achievable if this goal is prioritised and adequately supported financially and politically.”

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. Minister Mustapha Baba-Shehuri made this announcement at the launch of a nationwide free anti-rabies vaccination exercise in Gombe State.

He emphasized that rabies is a widespread and deadly disease in Nigeria and Africa, responsible for approximately 59,000 global deaths annually.

Dr. Maimuna Habib, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, explained that Gombe was selected for the launch due to a surge in reported rabies cases in the state.

The exercise aims to raise awareness about the dangers of rabies, its impact on public health, and prevention and control measures.

The government has developed a National Strategic Plan to guide the National Programme for Rabies Control, which will help implement the plan approved by the National Council on Agriculture and Rural Development.

A recent study highlighted that rabies is a preventable disease that has been neglected in Nigeria and other countries, and urged the adaptation and enforcement of the national strategic plan to achieve zero rabies by 2030.

“The multi-sectoral collaborations, based on the One Health approach can be achieved via engaging communities to build rabies awareness; strengthening human and animal health systems, surveillance and providing proof of concept that rabies elimination is feasible,” the study stated.

It further stated that promoting intersectoral and regional collaboration, advocating for political engagement, and support, and building the case for investment through public-private partnerships and a Global Strategic Plan can end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies.