The recent deaths of two children, aged five and six, one month after receiving an anti-rabies drug, have sparked concerns about the authenticity and effectiveness of the vaccine. The children, residents of Katakwi district, had been bitten by a suspected rabid dog and were promptly taken to a private clinic in Ongongoja for treatment.
Medical professionals at Katakwi General Hospital revealed that the two deceased children were among eight individuals bitten by a rabid dog in Okuda parish, Ongongoja sub-county, on December 16, 2023. Katakwi district health officer, Dr. Simon Ichumar Omeke, expressed suspicion regarding the anti-rabies drug used, suggesting that it might not have been potent, viable, or possibly even the correct vaccine.
Security personnel have initiated an investigation into the clinic where the treatment was administered. Meanwhile, six others bitten by the suspected rabid dog are undergoing treatment at Katakwi General Hospital. Dr. Omeke advised individuals bitten by dogs to seek treatment exclusively at either Katakwi Hospital or Toroma Health Centre IV.
Collaborating with the veterinary department, health authorities are actively vaccinating dogs in response to the incident. Dr. Ariko Onyait, Katakwi district veterinary officer, reported that vaccination efforts have commenced, targeting an estimated 3,000 dogs in the entire Ongongoja. The vaccination sites are strategically located near cattle markets, given the high number of dogs in the region, often used for hunting.
Katakwi currently possesses 2,000 vaccine doses, with an additional 6,000 doses expected from the agriculture ministry. Dr. Onyait emphasized that vaccinating all dogs is essential to reduce the risk of rabies transmission and, concurrently, efforts will be made to euthanize rabid dogs in the district.
Katakwi District Police Commander, Henry Muyondo, confirmed dispatching police officers to escort the District Health Officer (DHO) for a verification visit to the clinic that treated the affected children.
