FCTA Reports Two Deaths and Eight Rabies Cases in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) confirmed on Wednesday that there have been two deaths and eight confirmed cases of rabies in the territory. The Director of Veterinary Services at FCTA, Karnak Dandam, reported that the fatalities occurred in the Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils, where victims were bitten by a rabid dog.

Out of the eight confirmed cases, five were recorded in Gwagwalada and three in Kwali. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is commonly transmitted through bites from infected dogs or cats.

Dandam warned that the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. He advised that immediate first aid should be administered by washing the affected area with soap and plenty of water, and that victims should seek medical treatment promptly.

The state confirmed that samples were collected for testing between March and June, with results from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom, Plateau State, confirming the rabies cases.