Nakuru County gov't issues alert after confirmed rabies outbreak

The Nakuru County government has confirmed an outbreak of rabies in Tachasis area of Kiotagich ward, Kuresoi South sub-county.

According to Nakuru County Agriculture CEC Leonard Bor, officers have been dispatched to the epicentre of the outbreak to assess the situation and mitigate any additional cases.

"As this goes on, the department of agriculture, livestock and fisheries would like Nakuru residents to be extra vigilant and report any cases  for prompt follow-up," said Mr. Bor.

"Ensure  that all meat offered for consumption is slaughtered in the county approved slaughter houses, duly-inspected, stamped and transported in strict compliance with the ministry's regulations."

The CEC further advised Kuresoi South residents to report stray animals to county officials, but not to engage them.

"Do not approach any animals that are unknown to you. Please report any suspicious behavior in animals. The county government has heightened it's surveillance to ensure adequate response to the situation," he said.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that causes progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Clinically, it has two forms, namely furious rabies; which is characterized by hyperactivity and hallucinations; and paralytic rabies which is characterized by paralysis and coma.

"Although fatal once clinical signs appear, rabies is entirely avoidable; vaccines, medicines and technologies have long been available to prevent death from rabies,” said WHO on its website.

“Nevertheless, rabies still kills tens of thousands of people each year. Of these cases, approximately 99% are acquired from the bite of an infected dog."