Omanghana
Health and veterinary authorities have confirmed that five people died from rabies across Ghana’s Western and Western North regions in 2026, prompting renewed warnings about dog bites and low vaccination coverage.
Two of the deaths were recorded in the Wassa East District, while the Jomoro and Amenfi East municipalities each reported one fatality.
Another case involved a person from Diaso who received treatment in Bibiani, creating a reporting link between the Western North and Central regions.
Public concern intensified after a suspected rabid stray dog attacked nine people, including children, in a suburb of Sekondi. The victims were immediately assessed by health professionals and placed on rabies post-exposure treatment.
Western Regional Veterinary Officer Dr. Simon Gbene warned that fewer than 5% of dogs and cats across the two regions had been vaccinated against rabies.
The figure is considerably below the recommended 70% vaccination coverage needed to interrupt transmission from animals to humans. The Western and Western North regions have an estimated combined population of about 166,000 dogs and cats.
Surveillance data also indicate that dog bites remain a serious public health concern. The Western Region records more than 78 dog bites per 100,000 people annually, while the rate in Western North is nearly 73 per 100,000.
Veterinary investigators have additionally raised concerns about a dangerous misconception in some communities that consuming or applying kola nuts can cure rabies.
Health officials stressed that kola nuts cannot prevent or treat the disease. Relying on the practice can delay urgent medical intervention and increase the risk of death.
Rabies is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Authorities have therefore advised anyone bitten or scratched by a dog, cat or other potentially infected animal to wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
The person must then report to a healthcare facility without delay for assessment and post-exposure prophylaxis, even if the wound appears minor.
Pet owners have also been urged to register their dogs and cats and ensure they receive rabies vaccinations every year.
Metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies have been encouraged to strengthen measures for controlling stray and free-roaming dogs as part of broader efforts to prevent further infections and deaths.
Source: Omanghana
