Nairobians warned of surge in rabies cases

The Kenya Society for Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA) has issued an alert over the rise of rabies cases in Nairobi County.

Rabies is a viral disease spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, mostly dogs.

KSPCA on Tuesday said they had recorded rabies cases in Dagoretti, Lang'ata, Ruaka, Lavington, Kilimani, Karen, Ngong, Rongai and Kibera districts.

While the disease is fatal, it is preventable through vaccinating pets and immediately seeking medical care after suspected exposure before symptoms start.

The animal protection body urged people to vaccinate their pets and report any animal suspected to be rabid in their neighbourhoods.

“Rabies has no cure so it is highly encouraged that one vaccinates their dogs, cats and donkeys because those closely interact with human beings,” said Emmanuel Cheruiyot, a veterinarian.

KSPCA said the most recent case it had identified was a small Spitz-type dog, a family pet, which had been vaccinated but the vaccinations were out of date.

“The dog had been sick and bit several people while being examined. The dog died and anyone whom it came in contact with is being treated,” the body said.

It further urged people to vaccinate their animals annually using a registered vet and seek medical advice if their animal gets sick.

Members of the public who are likely to come into contact with animals were advised to get vaccinated against rabies.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the initial symptoms of rabies may be similar to the flu, such as fever, pain and unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking, or burning sensations at the wound site.

Others are hyperactivity, excitable behaviour, hallucinations, lack of coordination, hydrophobia (fear of water) and aerophobia (fear of drafts or fresh air) for the Furious type of rabies.

“Death occurs after a few days due to cardio-respiratory arrest,” the UN health agency says on its website.

The other form, Paralytic rabies, although less common, runs a less dramatic and usually longer course than the furious form, says the WHO.

Muscles gradually become paralysed from the wound site, and a coma slowly develops before eventual death.

Rabies is endemic in Kenya and is estimated to kill at least 2,000 people a year.