18 People Bitten By Rabid Dog In Kano

At least 18 people have reportedly been bitten by a dog suspected to be infected with rabies in Garko Local Government Area of Kano State.

The incident occurred after the dog attacked 11 residents in Garko town before moving into neighbouring communities, where it reportedly bit seven more people.

The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Garko Division, disclosed this in a statement signed by its Kano State Public Relations Officer, CSF Usman Abdullahi Umar.

The Service said the affected communities include Raba, Kadage, Gurjiya and Dausai.

It added that two other dogs were also suspected to have been infected with rabies, raising concerns about the possible spread of the disease in the affected communities.

“Following the reports, officers of the NFSS Garko Division, led by the Divisional Forest Officer, Auwalu Muhammad, were deployed to search for and neutralise the suspected infected dogs.”

The Service said the operation was aimed at preventing further attacks and protecting residents from possible exposure to rabies.

The NFSS urged residents of Garko and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report stray dogs or animals showing signs suspected to be associated with rabies to the nearest NFSS office or other security agencies.

It also advised anyone bitten by a dog or exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies to seek immediate medical attention.

The Service said the search operation would continue across the affected communities until the threat is brought under control.